Masala Chai, An Indian Spice Tea, Invented in India!

Someday I'll get to India. I love the culture, food, and masala chai. 

Photo: Carrot Halwa and Masala Chai from an Indian cafe in Manhattan, NY.

If I had to name one of my favorite beverages, Masala Chai would make it to the top of my list. The blend of different spices infused into black tea with some milk and a pinch of sugar is absolute nirvana. I first discovered Masala Chai at a yoga ashram.  It was served in the dining area. I poured myself a cup of that masala chai and liked it immediately. I made up my mind that I would drink a cup of masala chai at least once a week and to this day I still drink Masala Chai frequently.

You can get a masala chai at an Indian cafe or restaurant for as low as one dollar, 89.43 INR a cup and other establishments charge up to five dollars, 446.74 INR for a cup of masala chai. When my boyfriend picked me up at the train station in Ann Arbor (having arrived from Washington DC) we had a four hour and thirty five minute drive ahead of us. I insisted that we stop at an Indian restaurant for some Indian food and Masala Chai. We ordered a vegetarian entree and garlic naan and we each got two cups of masala chai. Every sip of our masala chai was divine and it kept us alert and awake on our drive back home.

HISTORY OF MASALA CHAI:

About five thousand years ago Indian emperors sipped a brewed concoction of spices to stay alert with courtly affairs. The drink was caffeine free and used as an Ayurvedic medicine. Ayurveda is a whole body holistic system of medicine that began in India centuries ago. Ayurveda takes a natural approach to aspects of health and well-being. Around 1835, black tea leaves were introduced by the British. The English people liked their black tea and one pound of tea per person per year was consumed by them. The first glimpse of masala chai made with black tea leaves occurred in India around the early part of the 20th century. The British owned India Tea Association promoted the caffeinated beverage to workers on their breaks. At the time tea was expensive for the average person so vendors began to use leftover tea leaves brewed with milk, sugar, and spices at a low cost. This was the creation of masala chai. The popularity of masala chai grew and people could get masala chai in railway stations across India.

Today masala chai is consumed by billions of people throughout the world and in India each region has their own variation of masala chai. The most popular drink in India is masala chai, and for good reason. It's a delicious tea that keeps you energized. Masala chai can be enjoyed with savory or sweet snacks. Masala chai can be served warm or cold. Take a break and enjoy a cup or two of Masala Chai, India's choice beverage.

A RECIPE FOR MASALA CHAI: Chai = Tea  Masala = Spice

fresh ginger

1 cardamom pod, crushed

1 tablespoon of cinnamon (ground cinnamon form)

1 whole clove, crushed

1 whole peppercorn, crushed

1 star anise, crushed

Lightly crush the whole spices, simmer the crushed spices with fresh pieces of ginger and ground cinnamon in one cup of water in a small pot for five minutes. Add the black tea, loose black tea steeped is best. Add your milk of choice, usually a quarter cup of milk (whole milk is the traditional milk) but these days plant milk has become popular. Heat the tea with milk a bit longer and than add about a teaspoon or two of good quality of sugar. 

For a spicier version of Masala Chai, add more crushed spices.

I'm so grateful for Masala Chai! It's an amazing beverage, created in incredible INDIA.

Williamsburg, Virginia, A Historic Masterpiece City full of Attractions!

Williamsburg, Virginia is a destination that appeals to just about everyone. History buffs appreciate Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown, city dwellers enjoy the laid back charming atmosphere of Williamsburg,  kids love the European themed Busch Gardens, and college students seek higher education at the second oldest university in the United States known as William and Mary.

Williamsburg is situated between the James and York Rivers and stands upon a ridge on the Virginia Peninsula. It's in close proximity of the capital Richmond, not far from Virginia Beach, and Washington DC is about one hundred fifty miles away. A vehicle free way to enjoy Williamsburg is to arrive by Amtrak train. Colonial Williamsburg is just a short few minutes away from the Transportation Center and a complimentary bus transports passengers to various stops in Colonial Williamsburg. 

What to do in Williamsburg:

Busch Gardens, a European theme park featuring thrilling rides and entertainment. Christmas Town is a must and will put you into the holiday spirit with its festive decorations. Find plenty of holiday cheer at Busch Gardens. Christmas Town is running until January 4th 2026 and tickets can be purchased on- line.

Colonial Parkway is a scenic twenty three mile roadway that connects the historic sites of Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown. If you don't feel like driving, you can enjoy a ride on the Colonial Parkway by bus, the Williamsburg Area Transit Authority (WATA) is a wonderful way to get around the Williamsburg, Virginia area. Standard bus fare is  $1.50. The all- day pass for $3.00 is a great deal.

Colonial Williamsburg, 301 acres of a living history museum recreating the 18th-century capital of Colonial Virginia. The Duke of Gloucester Street is the Main Street and it includes many popular sites. 

Dewitt Wallace Decorative Art Museum. Plan to spend at least three hours exploring the expansive galleries of this amazing art museum. View the antiques, decorative arts, and colonial and contemporary folk art from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Admission if free. There's a cafe and gift shop located inside the museum.

Historic Jamestowne, Archaeological Site, This is the original site of the 1607 James fort and New Towne.

Merchant's Square is a historic shopping and dining district adjacent to Colonial Williamsburg. There are over 40 shops and restaurants in Merchant's Square and walking around here is quite pleasant.

Jamestown Settlement is a living-history museum, recreating the history and culture of 17th century Virginia, including the first permanent English settlement.

Yorktown has much to offer. American Revolution Museum, Yorktown Victory Monument, Yorktown Battlefield, Riverwalk Landing, Watermen's Museum, and Yorktown Beach. Yorktown is within close proximity of Chesapeake Bay. There's a free trolley to get you around and visit key attractions.

Lodging in Wiliamsburg, Virginia

Spotlight on Comfort Suites:

Comfort Suites is my recommendation when staying in Williamsburg. I enjoyed my three nights here tremendously. It's a sparkling clean hotel with a pleasant and relaxing lobby. Rooms are spacious and cozy. There's a fitness center, an indoor jacuzzi and a refreshing indoor swimming pool on the property. A delicious bountiful breakfast is served each morning in the dining room. Lots of amenities to make you feel the comforts of a home away from home.The staff at Comfort Suites are exceptional. They made my stay so memorable. Comfort Suites is in a prime location, just minutes from Colonial Williamsburg and close to shops and restaurants.  The WATA Bus stops in front of the Cracker Barrel which is just across the street from Comfort Suites.

There's no shortage of accommodations in Williamsburg. Plenty of Airbnb's, bed and breakfasts, cabins, cottages, hotels and motels. 

A Bed & Breakfast is so homey and what better place than Williamsburg, Virginia to enjoy a charming B & B?

                          BED AND BREAKFASTS

Cedars of Williamsburg, 611 Richmond Road

Fife and Drum Inn, 441 Prince George Street

Magnolia Manor Bed & Breakfast, 700 Richmond Road

A Williamsburg White House Bed and Breakfast, 718 Jamestown Road

Dining Suggestions:

Honestly, I didn't eat much on my visit to Williamsburg, VA. I was too busy exploring and the breakfast at Comfort Suites kept me filled most of the day but there are two places I recommend for dining.

Food for Thought has a diverse menu. Everything from local fried oysters to pot roast. Soups, salads, amazing entrees such as crab cakes, fish & chips, and Pad Thai. There are gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian meals available too. Food for Thought is a must when in Williamsburg.

Golden Corral Buffet and Grill is a local favorite.  They have a spectacular all you can eat buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The food tastes homemade and the price for the buffet is hard to beat. 

Last but not Least:

Peanuts are a big thing in Virginia and if you like peanuts you'll love The Peanut Shop.

THE PEANUT SHOP is a fun shop that has an array of Virginia peanuts, snack mixes, chocolates, and seasoned nuts. You can sample a lot of the products that are available throughout the shop.

The Peanut Shop

Williamsburg, Virginia

A Historical City with Amazing Attractions, enjoyed all four seasons.

Washington DC in a Day (There's So Much to See and Do in the Nation's Capital, U.S.A.)

Union Station in Washington DC is the second busiest train station in the United States. It's the gateway to the nation's capital and within walking distance of famous sights. Personally, I think the Amtrak train is the perfect way to arrive to the nation's capital. Union Station itself is worthy of an hour of exploring with its lovely architecture and an array of unique shops and restaurants.  On my past visits to Washington DC. I walked a lot and took the efficiently run Metro when needed. The Metro system in Washington DC is outstanding. Fares range from $2.25 to $6.75 with peak hours being more expensive. There are also reduced fares on the Metro for those eligible. If you're in Washington DC. for the day, the 1-Day Unlimited Ride is only $13.50. 

Last week I left Williamsburg, Virginia in the early morning and had a seven hour layover in Washington DC. Amtrak train 40, heading to Chicago from Miami was running two hours behind. Due to the government shutdown a lot of attractions weren't open. To top it off I had extra bags that I couldn't check in with Amtrak so walking around with those bags wasn't going to be easy. Just as I stepped outside with my bags and took a short walk, a representative for Old Town Trolley Tours approached me. "Would you like to take a tour of Washington on our trolley? It's only forty five dollars and you can hop off and on as much as you like," he said. I took the tour and loved it.

Things to Do in A Day in Washington DC

The Old Town Trolley Tour is superior. Forbes rated it as "10 Best Tours in the World. It's Washington DC's longest running city tour and the knowledgable tour guide is also your driver. You can hop-on and hop-off as often as you like, all day long and it's the only tour authorized to enter the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery. The padded seats are comfortable and no matter where you sit on the trolley you are assured a great view. Depending on the tour there are between fifteen and twenty one stops on the Old Trolley Tour. The Old Town Trolley departs right in front of Union Station.

Right across from Union Station is the Smithsonian National Postal Museum. Located at 2 Massachusetts Avenue NE. It's open daily from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm. Admission is always free, Here you can explore the history of America's postal service from colonial times to the present. Free tours are available for visitors.

Chinatown is only a one mile walk from Union Station. It's located along H and I Streets between 5th and 8th Streets, Northwest. You can dine and shop in Chinatown and even check out the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Chinatown.

Georgetown is a historic and upscale neighborhood in Washington DC. Home to Georgetown University you'll find plenty of shopping and dining options here. The C & O Canal towpath along the Potomac River is worth exploring as is the Old Stone House, the oldest standing structure in Washington DC, located at 3051 M Street, NW.

The National Mall, a two mile long park in the center of Washington DC (America's Front Yard) is an awesome place to explore important memorials and museums.  You can take a taxi or Uber here.

Obviously if you only have one day in Washington DC you have to pick the attractions that interest you the most. Here's a list of other amazing places to check out in Washington DC.

Arlington National Cemetery

Capital Visitor Center (Tour)

Ford's Theater

Mount Vernon, Alexandria Virginia

National Zoo

Tidal Basin

White House Visitor Center

If you're waiting for your train out of Union Station, Washington DC and have limited time, there are plenty of places to eat. You can also relax in the comfortable Amtrak waiting room.

A Partial List of Eating Establishments in Union Station

1. • 
     

BullFrog Bagels, hand rolled and boiled bagels, a variety of tasty sandwiches.

Chipotle Mexican food, The burrito bowls are highly recommended.

Chop't, healthy creative salads and warm bowls.

Jamba Juice, delicious blended beverages, smoothies, juices, and snacks.

Pret is known for fresh, preservative free and chemical free sandwiches and salads, 

Shake Shack is known for their roadside style burgers, 100% pure Angus beef. Veggie Burger options are available too.

Starbucks, the ever popular Starbucks is inside Union Station.

Suki Hana is a Japanese restaurant known for their Chicken Teriyaki.

If you love chocolate I highly recommend two chocolatiers inside Union Station.

Laderach, Swiss made chocolate is exceptional. They'll offer you some samples here too. Try the FrishSchoggi in a variety of flavors. It's absolutely divine.

Neuhaus, a Belgian chocolatier shop dates back to 1857 and their chocolates are exquisite. With the holidays just around the corner, Neuhaus Chocolates make the perfect gift. The staff here is so kind and helpful. They'll even give you some samples. Delicious chocolates, indeed.

If you make your way to Washington D.C. a three to four day trip is ideal but if you have one day in Washington D.C. I hope you'll choose one or two of my recommendations.

ENJOY Washington D.C. America's capital.

Magical Marquette (The Biggest City in the Land of Milk and Honey) on the shores of Lake Superior!

 

I still have an adventurous spirit, although as I get older it's not as easy to move at a fast pace but last week I did it. I pulled an all nighter on a ten hour bus drive from Traverse City to Marquette. I managed to survive a near fire on the bus when we made a ten minute bathroom/shopping stop at a gas station and the bus driver realized one of the tires was ready to set fire. A half hour later the fire department was gone and another passenger and I were on the our way to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan on another bus with a new driver. It was still dark outside when I arrived in Marquette. I got off the bus walked into the bus station and a helpful employee at the service desk informed me of a free city bus into downtown Marquette. Thirty minutes later the darkness turned into light and a friendly bus driver dropped me off on West Washington Street in downtown Marquette. 

Marquette is a stunning city. It's a hilly city built on the shores of gorgeous Lake Superior, the largest and deepest of the Great Lakes. Marquette is quite diverse too. It's an outdoor paradise in spring, summer, fall and winter. Marquette is home to Northern Michigan University so there's lots of college students. A walkable city, it's pretty easy to navigate around Marquette, although a vehicle comes in handy. I spent the whole day bicycling and walking around Marquette and by the end of the day I had bicycled sixteen miles and walked twenty miles. I got to know the city quite well and met some really awesome people. The best part is my energy level was beyond belief. I don't now how I managed to go without sleep and explore the city with such enthusiasm but Marquette is a magical place and one can't help feeling a connection to it.

So here's a fantastic way to spend time in Marquette whether it's a day, week, month, or a year and beyond............

West Washington Street and Third Avenue are a good choice for dining and shopping in the downtown area. My favorite place for breakfast or lunch is 231 West Patisserie. A bit expensive but worth the splurge for amazing desserts, pastries, and sandwiches. They also serve lots of coffee and tea beverages that are made by expert baristas. The atmosphere at 231 West Patisserie is absolutely perfect. You can sit down at a table and take your time savoring your drinks and food. There's even outdoor seating on a balcony that overlooks the city. The staff is awesome. If you wish to purchase items to take away there are plenty of things to buy such as chocolate covered almonds, granola, gourmet chocolate bars, packaged coffee beans, shirts, handbags and more. 

                                              231 West Patisserie is absolutely wonderful!

Not to be missed is Donckers. Marquette resident Fred Donkers was once a general assistant at Stattford's Greenhouse on Third Street but a hunting accident caused him to lose this right arm in 1895. No longer able to work as a general assistant Fred opened up an open air stand in1896 where he sold hot buttered popcorn, candy, fresh fruit, and tobacco, It became a popular stop so Fred opened a permanent home for his store on Washington in 1906 and then in 1914 Fred moved his business a few yards away to a larger building and to this day Donckers is located in the same building where it first opened over a hundred years ago. Upon entering Donckers you feel like you've entered another era, it really does have an atmosphere of a by-gone era. If you love hand-crafted chocolate you'll find plenty of it at Donckers. There's an amazing selection of mouth-watering chocolates and candies. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner are served at Donckers and the menu is quite diverse. Customers rave about the fresh squeezed orange juice and sandwiches. Donckers is located 137 West Washington right next door to the nostalgic Delft Theatre.

                                             The interior of Donckers in existence since 1914,
            

The staff at Marquette County Convention and Visitors Bureau at 201 South Front Street are great at answering questions about the area and you can feel free to stop by Monday thru Friday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. You can navigate around the city by bus, bicycle, or vehicle. Walking is a good option but some attractions are a quite a distance away such as Sugarloaf Mountain. Located about six miles north of downtown on CR 550, Sugarloaf Mountain is popular with bikers and hikers. The views from the summit are spectacular. There are panoramic views of Lake Superior and the surrounding forest. The elevation of Sugarloaf Mountain is 1070 feet above sea level.

                                                     Bicycling along Lake Superior is spectacular!

The crown jewel of Marquette is the mighty majestic Lake Superior. Rent a bicycle at Quick Stop Bike Shop at 1100 North Third Street. It's the oldest bicycle shop in the area and very popular with the locals. I rented a bicycle here and the staff couldn't have been nicer. They allowed me to store my personal belongings in their shop which was much appreciated. The one day rental for a standard bicycle is around $40.00 for the day. The Marquette City Multi-Use Path is a twelve mile paved trail that follows the shoreline of Lake Superior. You'll find some beautiful beaches along the paved trail that runs from One Dock to Presque Isle Park. One attraction that tops the list besides the beaches is the Marquette Maritime Museum at 300 Lakeshore Blvd. Exhibits include maritime heritage, canoes, ship wrecks, Coast Guard boats, and more. Visitors can also take a guided tour to the red colored Marquette Harbor Lighthouse. 

                               Swimming in Lake Superior near the Marquette Harbor Lighthouse

Marquette has a quite a  few Finish people, the population of Finish people residing in Marquette is about twenty two percent. The beautiful Nestledown Bed and Breakfast at 975 North LakeShore Blvd reflects the Finnish/Scadinavian heritage of the innkeepers. It's open year round and is right across the road from Lake Superior. Over on West Washington Street, is a shop called Scandinavian Gifts and on US 41 is a gift shop called Touch of Finland.

Marquette really is an incredible city and the population is growing for good reason. The largest city in the Upper Peninsula is right on par with East Coast cities like Burlington, Vermont and Portland, Maine. I was born and raised in Michigan and I didn't even realize how amazing Marquette was until 2021 when I visited Marquette with my boyfriend. My recent one day visit to Marquette was filled with so many fun-filled activities. It was extremely hot on that early August day but I'd rather have the heat than a downpour of rain. The upper peninsula of Michigan is really a unique part of the country and Marquette, the largest city in what locals call the U.P. is a place enjoyed by locals and tourists. I hope you enjoy a visit to magical Marquette.

A Few Recommendations:

Marquette Food Coop is a full service natural foods market. They carry lots of products.

Jilbert Dairy is known for good ice cream with lots of flavors to choose from.

Third Street Bagel is a popular bagel shop known for their tasty bagel sandwiches. They have some delicious and refreshing smoothies on the menu too.

Thills & Sons Fish House is a retail store that sells fresh and smoked fish. The locally caught whitefish is highly recommended. 

Togos is a super popular sub shop. They've been around since 1964.

For out of this world Thai Cuisine look no further than Rice Paddy. the curry with buttercup squash is delicious. Authentic food at reasonable prices.

Northern Michigan University is located in Marquette. This university is worth a visit. There's an Olympic Training Center on campus.

Check out the Marquette Regional History Museum at 145 Spring Street. Programs and events are listed on their website.

Lodging:

Fairfield Inn & Suites at 808 South Lakeshore Blvd has a sandy beach across the road. The bicycle path runs right past the hotel. There's an indoor pool/spa and a complimentary breakfast is included. Close to downtown attractions.

Landmark Inn has old school charm, it's a historic hotel with views of Lake Superior. Prices are higher than other properties in Marquette.

Nestledown Bed and Breakfast is homey. It's just steps away from Lake Superior. A comfortable and relaxing place to stay. Enjoy breakfast in the morning and relax in the sauna.

Ramada by Wyndham at 412 West Washington Street was recently remodeled, This hotel is cozy and comfortable and has an on site restaurant and lounge, an indoor swimming pool and sauna. Located downtown.

                                                         A Stop at Thill & Sons Fish House

Traveling Locally! Give it a Try!

Today is my birthday June 12th and let me tell you I really wanted to be in another country for my birthday and add another country to my bucket list but it just didn't work out because I was looking after my Mother while she was in hospice this year. My precious Mother died on the 11th of May 2025 (Mother's Day in the U.S.A.) and I had to go to New York State to have her buried next to her parents and after five days in New York State and five days in the province of Ontario, Canada it was time to return back home and to my stressful job.When our dreams don't work out there are alternatives. I adapted and adjusted my plans on the day of my birthday and headed north of where I live and found out that sometimes we can find contentment right in our own backyard. Thanks to my boyfriend, my birthday turned out just fine with impromptu local travel.

My boyfriend did all the driving on this road trip on the 12th of June. Heading north on U.S. 31 our first stop was Charlevoix, the beautiful. In the summer months Charlevoix's population increases a lot because wealthy home owners return in the summer to enjoy all the recreational activities Charlevoix has to offer; boating, concerts, festivals, golfing, picnics, tennis, shopping, swimming, On Thursday's there's a wonderful farmers market on Bridge Street (the Main Street in Charlevoix for shops and restaurants). At the Charlevoix Farmer's Market there's an abundance of treats to purchase from fresh produce to baked goods, handcrafted cheese and wine, made to order French crepes and fragrant soaps....and so much more. Charlevoix is great!

Petoskey is a classy city filled with culture. The downtown area is the ideal place for walking and sightseeing as is Bay View Association a summer colony of gingerbread homes. This is where you can attend a lecture or see a live performance of a ballet, play, opera, or orchestra. In Petoskey you'll find the headquarters of Kilwins Chocolates and see how they make their popular confectionary treats. Grain Train is a food coop known for a variety of products and tasty ready-made food prepared in-house. Petoskey has a pleasant walking trail known as Bear River Valley Recreational Area as well as Bayfront Park that sits along Little Traverse Bay. Skateboarders enjoy the 10,000 square foot skate-park at Riverbend Park. My boyfriend and I stopped at our favorite Indian restaurant in Petoskey called Aamchi Mumbai for lunch and ordered food to carryout. We found a place to park on the edge of North Western State Trail overlooking Crooked Lake. After eating our delicious meal we enjoyed a leisure bicycle ride on the lovely wooded North Western State Trail.

Mackinac Island is a gorgeous island on Lake Huron. No vehicles are allowed on the island. Mackinac Island is home to Arch Rock, Fort Mackinac, the Grand Hotel, the world's best fudge shops, horse carriage rides and ideal bicycling trails. Mackinac Island is an idyllic island where time stands still. In fact some Hollywood movies were filmed on Mackinac Island, one of them being "Somewhere in Time." Ferries run all day long from Mackinac City and Saint Ignace to Mackinac Island and everyone should visit this island at least once in their lives. I highly recommend booking a place to stay on the island. It's quite magical to be on the island for a few days if time allows. There's a good number of bed and breakfasts and hotels on the island that can be booked on-line or directly with the property. 

Mackinaw City is another place to enjoy. There are public parks on the shores of Lake Huron with amazing views of one of the longest suspension bridges in the world, the mighty Mackinac Bridge also known as "Mighty Mac." In Mackinaw City you can check out the McGulpin Point Lighthouse and the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse. There are shops galore on East Central Avenue. My personal favorite place is Mackinaw Crossings, a Victorian-inspired shopping center. There are arcade games, live musical entertainment, free laser lights shows, a 5-complex cinema, and the intriguing House of Glass. Lots of shops for clothing, fudge, and ice cream too. On June 12th my highlight at Mackinaw Crossings was watching an accordion player perform while his small white dog did tricks for the audience. It was heart-warming to watch.

Although my dream didn't come true to travel abroad for my milestone birthday, traveling locally had its rewards. Sometimes keeping it simple is best. I have no regrets that my birthday was a road trip of adventures only two hours from home by vehicle. Give local traveling a try, sometimes you can find bliss and wonder not far from home. 

Before leaving Mackinac City I purchased some good-tasting creamy fudge from Joanne's Fudge Shop on East Central Avenue in Mackinaw City. Joanne's Fudge Shop is located both on Mackinac Island and in Mackinaw City. They give out samples so that you can try all the amazing flavors of fudge they make.

Here's a recipe for fudge: (Mackinac Island style)

Creamy Chocolate Fudge

Ingredients:

-8 tablespoons of unsalted butter

-1/2 cup milk

-1/2 cup granulated sugar

-1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar

-1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

-1 cup of milk or dark chocolate bits

-1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 

-2 cups confectioners' (powdered sugar)

In a saucepan combine the butter, sugars, milk, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then simmer on low. Heat constantly for about six minutes.

Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Stir in the vanilla extract, chocolate bits, cocoa powder, and confectioners sugar until smooth.

Transfer the fudge mixture on a baking sheet and let it cool. You can shape the fudge into a log if desired. Wrap the fudge in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for thirty minutes.

After thirty minutes unwrap the fudge and cut the fudge into desired pieces and indulge!

I HOPE YOU FIND A COOL PLACE CLOSE TO HOME TO EXPLORE. GIVE LOCAL TRAVEL A TRY!! HAPPY TRAVELS!

*Adrianna

 

An All-Inclusive Resort Vacation in the Caribbean's Dominican Republic!

The Dominican Republic, a Spanish speaking country in the Caribbean shares its island with Haiti. With extensive beaches, evergreen forests, fertile valleys, and even some desert zones, the Dominican Republic  is a popular Caribbean tourist destination, especially when you want to destress. When my department was outsourced at a major hotel that I worked at in Manhattan, New York, I was depressed and in denial because I loved my job. Now was the time to take a vacation and regroup. I was able to get an amazing deal to the Dominican Republic for my mother and myself. We stayed at Iberostar All- Inclusive Resort in Puerto Plata and it was awesome!

Why an all inclusive resort? It's a hassle free vacation. You pay an upfront cost for accommodations, meals, drinks, and a variety of activities. My mother and I had such a happy seven days of swimming in the beautiful pool, receiving a splendid spa treatment, taking a free Spanish language course, walking on the nature trails, enjoying the breath-taking beach, eating delicious Dominican meals made by talented chefs, dancing in the evening, and sipping on all the cafe con leches, and cocktails we wanted. The whole setting of the resort was spectacular, so spacious and lovely, so wonderfully landscaped. We enjoyed every minute. So, when you're ready for a vacation in the Dominican Republic consider an all-inclusive resort stay.

Some all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic: 

Cabarete is a paradise for water sports especially if you like kite-boarding and windsurfing.

Viva Tangerine by Wyndham

Punta Cana wins first place for popularity. It is known for its long stretches of wide-sand beaches and crystal clean waters. The turquoise beaches are stunning. With steady sunshine, tranquillity, and peace Punta Cana is often the top choice for a Dominican Republic vacation.

Caribe Deluxe Princess, Playes de Bavaro, Bavaro, Punta Cana

Impressive Punta Cana, Bavaro, Punta Cana

Secrets Royal Beach, Av. Alemania S/N Punta Cana

Puerto Plata lies between the Atlantic Ocean and the mountains of the Cordillera Septentrional. There's a mix of natural and historical attractions here. My personal favorite all inclusive resort is Iberostar!

Iberostar Waves Costa Dorada, Puerto Plata 

The Dominican Republic will reward you with unforgettable memories. Awesome beaches, beautiful scenery, friendly people, great food, warm weather, an island getaway....in the Caribbean.

Enjoy this LA BANDERA DOMINICANA recipe for the famous traditional dish from the Dominican Republic. Chicken can be substituted for beef.

LA BANDERA DOMINICANA

Serve this dish with beans and rice!

Ingredients:

1/2  tablespoon dry oregano

1 teaspoon pepper

few sprinkles of adobo seasoning

Worcestershire sauce

2 cloves garlic

1/2  red onion

handful of parsley

1 pound of beef top round steak

Wash the beef and place it in a large bowl. Add the chopped garlic, onions, and parsley. Add a teaspoon of pepper. Season with a few sprinkles of adobo powder and 1/2 tablespoon of dry oregano.  Add two tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce and mix well.  Cover and place in refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Heat up a skillet on med high heat and add the steak. Cook on both sides and cover. After ten minutes the meat should be mostly cooked. Remove the steak and place them on a plate and serve with beans and rice.

BONJOUR TO MONTREAL

A big "Bonjour" to Montreal, an international city located in the French speaking province known as Quebec. Situated on the Saint Lawrence River, Montreal is easy to navigate whether you choose to bicycle, drive, walk, or rely on the dependable bus and subway system.I recently visited Montreal for the seventh time and I discovered places and things I never knew of in my previous visits. Whether you stay a day, a week, a month, or become a lifelong resident Montreal has much to offer. Let's explore the wonders of 

M O N T R E A L.........

Rue Wellington in the heart of Verdun is one of the coolest streets in the world. It's named for the Duke of Wellington who defeated Napoleon at Waterloo. Promenade Wellington is a 1.3 kilometer strip with over two hundred and fifty businesses. It's pedestrian friendly from June to mid September. Begin your adventure with an in-house drink at Cafe Komma Rosta. You can have your caffeine for the day with a mochaccino or enjoy something more exotic like a yuzu soda, ginger lemonade, or sudachi ice tea. The Salvation Army Thrift Store has discounted prices on a variety of items; books, clothing, footwear, games, toys and more. If you want clothes designed and made in Montreal go over to Marigold. Here women will find unique clothing that's fashionable in a boutique setting. Dumplings are a must when in Montreal, they're so tasty and authentic. 3 Madames Dumplings are a hand-crafted creation, with recipes passed down through generations. Choose pan fried or steamed dumplings available with beef, chicken, pork, shrimp, and mixed vegetables. If you really want to please your palate, a meal at Ketiw Cambodigien (Cambodian) is high recommended. The food is so fresh, and flavorful, and made with high quality ingredients. Try the iconic noodle bowl, Cambodian sandwich (Nun Pang), and the combo dishes. The staff here is fantastique. Do you like cycling? If you want to purchase a bicycle or just get a tune up there's two good bicycle shops to choose from, Atelier and Cycles Campus Verdun. If you need a break from exploring and shopping, relax in Parc Mullins-Wellington, an ideal park for taking in the natural scenery.

La Ronde Amusement Park Quebec's largest and most exciting theme park has over forty rides and attractions. Check their website. La Ronde Amusement Park is not open year round.

Old Montreal is a major attraction neighborhood that feels like France. Dating to the 17th century, Old Montreal's narrow cobblestone streets are full of lively plazas, charming shops, and cafes. Eat crepes, ride the Ferris wheel, walk along the Saint Lawrence River, and visit the Point-a-Calliere museum with its city archeological ruins. The Old Port of Montreal is home to the Montreal Science Center and the iconic Clock Tower.

Notre Dame Basilica is located in Old Montreal and a national historic site of Canada whose origins date back to the founding of Montreal. Daily Mass Hours, Visiting Hours, and Ticket Prices are on the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal website. 

Jean Talon Market is an established open-air market with many vendors selling produce, meats, cheeses, fish, and baked goods. There are restaurants located next to the market too. The produce here is top notch. What a fun place to explore and fill your tummy.

Eaton Center is an ideal place to shop.  It's accessible through the Underground City.

What is the Underground City?

Montreal's popular underground city is a pedestrian network under the heart of the city for many kilometers. It links metro stations to shopping plazas for about 33 kilometers (20.5 miles) If you want to escape the frigid winters in Montreal you can eat, stroll, and shop through the underground city.

If you're looking for cultural stimulation, you'll find it in Montreal. There's professional ballet, opera, and theater. There's the Montreal Symphony Orchestra and there are a variety of museums. Cirque du Soleil's headquarters are in Montreal and their talented performers will mesmerize you with their acrobats. Cirque Du Soleil cast members train extensively. Daily training and warm-ups last more than 90 minutes along with regular rehearsals. The daily workouts can include weight lifting, stretching, handstands, pull-ups, sit-ups, and rope work.

Other things to do on your visit to Montreal is to perhaps take a French language class or a cooking class. If you like bagels, you can learn to make Montreal Style Bagels at a baking workshop. It's called "The Bagel Class,"

BAGELS are synonymous with Montreal. Honestly,  I never had a bagel anywhere in the world that's as awesome as a Montreal-bagel. Locals and tourists head to Fairmount Bagel or St-Viateur Bagel for the cities best bagels.

Neighborhoods: There are lots of interesting neighborhoods in Montreal and they're all worth exploring. Here they are:

Airport and West End

Downtown

East End and Montreal North

Old Montreal and Old Port

Plateau-Mont-Royal and Mile End

Little Italy and Villeray

Olympic District and Hochelaga-Maisonneuve

The Village

Mount Royal, Outremont, and Westmount

Quartiers du Canal (Griffintown, Little Burgundy, and Saint-Henri)

What's wonderful about Montreal is that it's an international city with an urban feel but yet you can escape to the beautiful outdoor areas rather quickly. The Laurentian Mountains are one of the oldest mountain regions in the world and there is plenty of outdoor activities in the region from camping to skiing, to cycling to swimming and more. Some places worth visiting in the Laurentian Mountains are Val-Morin, Sainte-Adele, and Mont Tremblant.