Photo Friday: sLOVEnia

While most of my friends in college were going to Cancun or Florida for spring break, my husband (then boyfriend) and I decided we wanted more of an adventure. So, instead of packing bathing suits and flip flops, we packed our jeans and jackets and headed out on a road trip through eastern Europe. We started in Budapest, drove to Bratislava and Vienna, down to Graz (Austria) and on to Croatia via Slovenia. The tiny country of Slovenia ended up being the highlight of our trip. The people were friendly and active. Everywhere you looked, people were hiking, kayaking, skiing and biking. They put Californians and Australians to shame! Bordering both the Alps and the Mediterranean means that Slovenia is full of natural beauty. Actually, a third of the territory of the country is protected! Plus, the food is highly influenced by the divine cuisine of Northern Italy (it's neighbor). And to top it off, it was inexpensive! What more could you want? Here are some of the highlights...please ignore the cloudy weather. It was February...

 One of the most popular tourist destinations in Slovenia is the glacial Lake Bled.

 This was the stunning view from the room of our
modest guest house outside of Bled.
We were amazed at how far our money could go.

The oldest church in Slovenia. 

So serene.

Hitting the slopes in a winter wonderland. 

Walking around the streets of Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia.

 The main square in Ljubljana.

Photo Friday: Scotland

There are places we dream about visiting one day as a child. Sometimes those places disappoint upon arrival. And sometimes those places carve an indelible place in our hearts. For me, a place that I wanted to go from a young age was Scotland. I had a nanny who had emigrated from Glasgow who became part of my family for nine years. When she joined our household, I was only 7 years old and she was only 23. At that point in my life, she was the most exotic person I knew and I was always intrigued by the mysterious land from which she came. What did I know about it except for the legend of the Loch Ness monster?! After a few months, I started getting used to her thick accent (now, I don't even notice it!). Little did I know that she would completely change my life in so many wonderful ways. She was the first one to introduce me to salt and vinegar chips, Maltesers, phrases like "cheeky monkey" and oddly enough, country music! Sometimes you don't have to even leave your own country to have a cultural experience...

When I finally made it to Scotland, I was 21 years old - almost the age she was when she came to the United States. I was bewitched by not only its stunning landscapes, but by its charming and kind people. My husband couldn't understand a lick the Glaswegians were saying, but I had no problem... It felt like coming home. 

Here are some of my favorite snapshots:

 The atmospheric Dunnottar Castle outside Stonehaven, Scotland. 

Of course, portions of Mel Gibson's Hamlet were shot here in 1990.

Where else?

The famous Loch Ness. I couldn't resist.

You couldn't help but pull over on the side of the road to look at the magnificent scenery. 

This was on a drive to Loch Torridon. 

Sometimes we felt like we had the whole country all to ourselves...

Well, almost all to ourselves. 

Enjoying some typical Scottish weather at Eilean Donan Castle.

Gorgeous waterfalls in Glen Nevis.

 Could the little lanes of Crail be any cuter?

Dreaming of Romance in Bali

What a great week it's been for Golden Key. I've had the privilege of planning a honeymoon in Bali! My clients are adventurous and looking for an unforgettably romantic experience. In addition to booking the couple's accommodation at the ultra-luxury Viceroy Bali Hotel, I found some incredible romantic dining experiences offered at another hotel. They can choose from a champagne breakfast on the terrace overlooking the rice patties, a sultry jungle picnic or my favorite, the 'Secret Romantic Dinner': 

"Enjoy a romantic dinner at a secret location deep in the jungle. Illuminated by the gentle glow of oil lamps, your private waiter will host the perfect evening. After dessert, enjoy a leisurely walk through the rain-forest to the holy water temple, where a priest will perform a purification ritual. End this magical night with a foot massage at our riverside bamboo deck."

Sounds divine, right?! After a day of exploring the artisan market of Ubud and taking a bike ride through the countryside, this couple will share an intimate private dinner in one of the most romantic places on Earth.

The Viceroy Bali.

Romantic candlelit dinner in paradise.