What are your top 10 travel destinations?

#1 Rome

Luck, Likability, & Love are bestowed on some of us in abundance when we’re born. It seems to follow those with a charmed life well into the 40s.  Those who have done the most with the three Ls in their youth are well cared for until they take their last breath…

Others seem unable to catch a break from the time they take their first.  

If not for bad luck, there would be no luck at all for these souls. Love is limited. Likability is scarce, not for lack of trying but simply because those struggling are also simultaneously invisible. And surely, without the other two, it is rare that one can even muster self-love, let alone Eros. 

But all is not lost.

If by chance, they are lucky enough to visit Rome, Italy, legend suggests that tossing three coins in the Trevi Fountain can inspire hope for a safe return, love, and new beginnings.

Some believe the magic is in the water that comes from the former Aqua Virgo aqueduct.  Others say the enchantment and well-being emanate from the gods and goddesses depicted in the fountain display, such as Oceanus, Abundance, and Salubrity, each representing different aspects of good fortune and health.

Oceanus, the god of the earth’s flowing waters, stands at the center, surrounded by symbols of abundance and health, like the horn of plenty filled with fruits and vegetables, and Salubrity representing good health, invoking awe at the fountain’s mythological depth.

Above the goddesses’ heads, depicted in the bas-reliefs, is the maiden’s story at the intersection of the three highways directing the soldiers towards the “virgin waters.” The one on the left shows General Marcus Agrippa giving the order to build the aqueduct.

Below Oceanus, Triton guides his seashell-shaped chariot drawn by seahorses.  The son of Neptune, Triton, is the god who controls the ocean’s waves. The waves’ temperament, calm or fierce, is shown on either side.

Harnessing good fortune from these Roman Gods and Goddesses becomes more than acquiring love and marriage; it becomes a life filled with abundance, health, and travel protection for every seafarer.  And it will only cost you three coins in the fountain-each representing a different wish-making the tradition both meaningful and accessible.

#2

Amsterdam, The Netherlands is a whole vibe. Not just a great place to visit but a beautiful place to live – watch out for the electric trams!

#3 

Miraflores, Peru’s Punto Azul Restaurant. It has been 13 years since I’ve eaten there (April 2013), and I’m thinking about booking a trip to return to this exquisite restaurant! I had the Seafood Stew, and it is one of the best dishes I’ve ever had. If you are in Miraflores or a nearby city in Lima, you will want to enjoy the seafood here! Oh! I remember the serving style was a bit different than I’m used to here in the U.S., but don’t be afraid to ask. Also, while you’re there, go surfing every morning! 

#4

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, the waterfront is everything, but not to be outdone, historic downtown is a win-win. Most times when I visited, I stayed at the Fairmont at the airport, but the downtown is only a train ride away. There’s not one spot I don’t love in Canada, but I must descend from the water goddess Mama Wata because waterways bring me life. So I have to say Vancouver is my favorite destination. 

#5

Jackson Hole, Wyoming is the perfect place for an introvert. It is a certain type of wilderness, the type that feels a bit urban (if that’s possible) where you can go and collect your thoughts. Stay at The Wort for those giant beds with huge wooden log posts. You’re welcome 😉

#6

Beijing, PRC (People’s Republic of China) has the best bargain shopping in the world, so that would be one reason. Whenever I’ve gone to Beijing, I’ve made sure to go shopping. It is not a huge secret that pratically everything in the West, including designer haute couture, is assembled, packaged and shipped from China… and 2 out of the 4 times I’ve visited, I bought “Uggs” the latest model LV purses, feature films that hadn’t been released in the U.S. yet but soon to be, a gorgeous “Prada” tote (complete with the hardware) that is already 15 years old and still going strong to name a few items. By the way, it is not illegal to buy (I claimed it on my customs form); it is illegal to resell these items as authentic. But wait there’s more. China is a very old nation; therefore, experiencing the culture is enough of a reason to go. Avoid the tourist traps and hire an experienced tour guide. Note: If you want to visit the Great Wall, however, DO NOT go during the winter months. Also take cabs at your own risk, but don’t put packages in the trunk. 

#7

Brooklyn, New York home to the must see architectural marvel that is the Brooklyn Public Library at Grand Army Plaza. Brooklyn Heights is gorgeous, and you can look at Manhattan from the water’s edge but miss all the hustle and bustle of Manhattan crowds. 

#8

Buenos Aires, Argentina to beat the summer heat. Well, that is if you are in the Northern Hemisphere and are sick of summer. Buenos Aires experiences winter from June through August. Crazy since it is right there in the Americas.   

#9

Brussels, Belgium, home to a woman’s best friends: Chocolate and Cash. Go for the chocolate, stay for the energy, which is the seat of the European Union. But is it really considered the capital of Europe? Well, it doesn’t matter; it has an awesome, powerful feel to it. When you step into the Northern Quarter, I bet you’ll feel like a baller shot caller even if you can’t rub two nickels together to make a dime. 

#10 

London. England is a cure for writer’s block. Maybe because the River Thames is a creative inspiration. As soon as I arrived, I wanted to write, and that was weird because I was jet lagged after that eventful flight. Didn’t stop me, though; I think I wrote a couple of new songs. 

#StewardessLog coming soon