I wrote most of this story some time ago in 2022 after another mass shooting in America. I didn’t press publish as the topic of gun control is a heated one in America and I was cautious about expressing my opinion and weighing in on such a contentious topic. But I’ve woken to hear on the news there’s been another mass shooting in America, this … [Read more...]
10 unique bookstores around the world
Online booksellers and eBooks are making it hard for independent bookstores to survive. Thankfully a handful of bookstores around the world are defying the online giants. They know that for many avid readers, searching for a book, then holding that book and slowly flipping through its pages is a tactile sensation no online purchase or download can … [Read more...]
The Cowboy legacy lives on at the Fort Worth Stockyards
A rich western Cowboy heritage thrives at the historic Fort Worth Stockyards through regular cattle drives, rodeos, and line dancing at the world’s largest honky-tonk. The area has been retained as a nostalgic nod to the Old West. For a couple of days, I felt like I was an extra on a Cowboy movie set. What happens when you get off a plane in … [Read more...]
Venture beyond Seattle’s city perimeter and you’ll discover where to ignite your Christmas spirit
Where I live in Australia, heat and humidity are normal in the lead-up to Christmas. But in the year of 2019, I was after something different. So, I hatched an escape plan and flew to Seattle. My desire to experience winter in the Pacific Northwest and see real evergreen fir trees laden with fresh 'real' snow not fake firs coated with artificial … [Read more...]
Igniting my Christmas spirit in Washington State
Chasing a white Christmas Where I live on Australia’s east coast, Christmas falls smack bang in the middle of summer, and it's hot. So hot in fact Christmas Day usually involves a swim in the pool just to bring the body temperature down. If you’re lucky enough to be in an air-conditioned home, Christmas lunch is enjoyed in a room regulated at a … [Read more...]
Seattle and its love of literature
Seattle lays claim as being the city that gave rise to 'grunge' music - an actual rock music genre. Bands like Malfunkshun (1980), Melvins (1983), Soundgarden (1984) and Green River (also1984) kickstarted the Seattle grunge music scene. They pathed the way for bands like Pearl Jam and Nirvana whose epic rise to superstardom is well … [Read more...]
Seattle’s Maxwell Hotel where pineapples rule
Seattle is a city visitors rarely want to leave. Located in the enchanting Pacific Northwest, as the State’s largest city, Seattle has drawn from a region packed with nature and cultural diversity. Tucked in the pocket of the Puget Sound, Seattle pulses with an energetic vibe. There's too much going on - like exploring outdoors, nature, live … [Read more...]
What’s not to love in Seattle
Seattle is a city pulsing with an energetic vibe. And that’s not because it's the headquarters for two of the largest corporations in the world: Amazon and Microsoft. Nestled in between two imposing mountain ranges - the Olympics and the Cascade - bringing the rainfall Seattle is renowned for, Seattle is blessed with good looks as well as a … [Read more...]
10 reasons to visit the Texas town of Grapevine
The North Texan town called Grapevine, located halfway between Dallas and Fort Worth, possesses a unique history, charm and character. Add in a dash of Texan southern hospitality and you have a place worthy of a stopover, whether it’s for a few hours or a few days. Savouring the last sip of my frozen margarita, I wasn't feeling confident I … [Read more...]
Grapevine Texas
Cowboys, Grapes and Southern charm “People love the history of the cowboy, they love the Gaylord Texan Resort and they follow the cowboys, kind of like the kangaroo is to Australia,” said William D Tate, in a low southern drawl. As an Australian attending a breakfast in the town called Grapevine during Grapefest, the largest wine festival in … [Read more...]