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How To Spend a Perfect Day in The Marais

by Sandy
written by Sandy

Vibrant and bustling, Paris is, in every sense of the word, monumental.   Paris is also arguably the most beautiful city in the world.  With two World Heritage sites, 141 museums, over 450 parks and gardens and at least 170 places of worship, it comes as no surprise that Paris tops most every traveler’s list.

Truth:  The first time I came to Paris, I was overwhelmed.  The Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame and the Louvre were all great places to start!   But, because each new neighborhood also came with new, exciting discoveries, I left Paris that first time feeling sad that I ran out of time to explore deeper.

Fast forward 20-something years. Countless returns later, I’ve grown to

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AfricaEatMoroccoRoad TrippingShoppingTeaWorld Markets

Chefchaouen: Morocco’s Pretty Sapphire City

by Sandy
written by Sandy

Tucked beneath the raw peaks of the Rif Mountains in Northern Morocco, you’ll find the pretty sapphire city of Chefchaouen.

Founded in 1471 by a Moorish warlord who was exiled from Spain, Chefchaouen was built as a stronghold in the fight against the Portuguese.   Famous for its achingly beautiful blue-washed buildings, Chefchaouen is an essential stop on any visit to the Rif region.   Seemingly every keyhole, stone wall and doorway is painted in striking shades of azure, cerulean, cobalt, turquoise, periwinkle or powder blue.   Largely shut off from the world for over 400 years, Chefchaouen is a photographer’s dream!  Painting the walls blue likely happened during the 15th century, shortly after the city was founded.

But why so blue?  Well, …

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FranceParisWestern EuropeWorld Markets

On Sundays, Paris Goes to the Birds

by Sandy
written by Sandy

Parisian markets are among the best markets in the entire world! And, in the heart of the city, you’ll find Marché aux Fleurs Reine Elizabeth II. Formerly known as the Marché aux Fleurs et aux Oiseaux, this spectacular flower (and bird!) market on the banks of the Seine was recently renamed in honor of the British queen when the Queen of England came to France for the 70th anniversary commemorations honoring D-Day.

If you’ve arrived on the island by Metro, take a moment to marvel at this charming little subway stop. Notice the elegantly-arched globe lighting in the tunnel as you exit the train. As you make the climb out of the Metro, you’ll see the Art Nouveau “Metropolitian” sign

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