Annapolis, sea-side capital of the state of Maryland, is a colonial American jewel box. Cobblestone streets lead from the Maryland State House, whose white dome peeks over centuries-old brownstones, down to the sailboat-filled harbor. The main thoroughfare is lined with quaint shops and restaurants; a few chains, yes, but mostly unique local establishments. Despite the […]
International Spy Museum: Celebrating 50 Years of James Bond
Growing up in America, December was always a special month. Not only did we get to celebrate Christmas, but in the days leading up to the holiday, in some kind of quirky tradition, cable TV channels would play all the James Bond films ever made. I watched these classic movies every year with my family, […]
Willard Hotel Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea
One of the highlights of the Washington, DC spring season is, of course, the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Many area bars and restaurants celebrate the annual event, adding special cocktails and dishes to their menus. The best of the bunch is the Willard Hotel cherry blossom tea. This exquisite high tea is served in the […]
Walking With Dinosaurs at the National Museum of Natural History
Growing up in Virginia, my classmates and I were often taken on field trips into Washington, DC, to explore the variety of cultural riches on offer. My favorite museum was (and still is) the National Museum of Natural History, thanks to its amazing collection of dinosaur fossils. Part of the Smithsonian Institution, the Museum opened […]
The Best Meals We Ate in Shanghai
This post is long overdue, considering that I’ve now been gone from Shanghai for nearly six months. But while I’ve already written about many of the outstanding meals we enjoyed during our tenure in China’s largest city, there are still more worth sharing – and a few worth repeating! Chuanxiang Sichuan Restaurant Chuanxiang was our […]