Meaning “Mother Mary’s House” in Turkish, Meryem Ana Evi is said to be the last house where the Virgin Mother lived before Her Assumption (Catholic) or Dormition (Orthodox).

What a gem this boutique hotel in the heart of Selçuk turned out to be. Just a stone’s throw away from Isa Bey Mosque and St. John’s Basilica, it has everything we look for in a hotel.

Despite its influx of visitors, Şirince retains its isolated feel. Yes, merchants and restaurants catering to tourists do line the streets, but they operate within once-occupied homes and spaces that don’t detract from the town’s rural charm.

Croatia offered up the most wonderful scenery and historical architecture, the most varied culinary pleasures and arguably the lowest price tags, and the nicest people.

Chiavalon is considered by many locals to be the best olive oil brand in Istria, which is a very lofty compliment given that Istrian olive oil — while less well-known than its peers in Italy or Spain — is recognized by food industry insiders as among the world’s best.

Not that I’m any less curious in my middle-aged years. I am. I just don’t dive in head first as much as I used to. I’m more deliberate now. I do research and I plan. Obsessively.

Z Hostel is a great place to stay at in Manila. It’s clean, convenient, reasonably priced, and centrally located. The staff is courteous and well-trained, plus it’s got an awesome vibe.

If you like seafood and don’t mind the soppy, fishy, often stinky conditions of an authentic wet market, then a visit to a dampa in the Philippines is a must.

Without a doubt the premier tourist attraction in Manila, I came to Intramuros today expecting a fun day cruising around on bamboo bikes. Little did I know that I would also leave with a more profound appreciation of this historical place, and my city.

Seeing Spoliarium was incredible, but collectively, the works in this room blew me away. I’ve long admired these paintings in books so to finally see them up close, so close in fact that I could actually touch them, was something else.