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One week on Menorca

We had all but purchased our airline tickets from Barcelona to Mallorca before a friend intervened, spouting the virtues of the smaller, less-traveled sister island of Menorca. Honestly, I had to pull out my map to find it. I didn’t realize how many Balearic islands are sprinkled off the east coast of Spain. I…
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Not another day in paradise

If you followed my recent travels through Spain on Instagram Stories you probably noticed a lot of sunsets, boat rides and a smiling toddler. Some of you even wrote me messages to the effect of “Your life is paradise!” or “He’s the perfect kid.” Those messages broke my heart a little, because I’d hate to…
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On top of the world: Mont Blanc

When I was seven years old, my family traveled to Paris where we stayed with our Parisian friends. The parents, who have four children, asked me what I wanted to do in Paris. I said I wanted to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower. They looked baffled. None of them had ever…
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Hop Suisse! Hopp Schwiiz! Forza Svizzera!
…or Happy Swiss National Day from Geneva! August 1 marks the anniversary of when the Swiss Federal Charter was signed in 1291 bringing together “three Alpine cantons [who] swore the oath of confederation.” That charter is also why Switzerland’s actual country name is the Confederation Helvetique or simply “CH.” All over Switzerland today you will…
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How to summer like a European

While many of the American blogs I read are already using the phrases “end of summer” and “back-to-school,” Europeans are giddily preparing for the beginning of their real summer: August 1. Schools are out of session. People are leaving town. The restaurant downstairs has put up a sign that reads “See you in September!” Because…
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Have a sunny weekend…

…even if the forecast is thunderstorms, like it is here in Geneva. We might head to Lausanne tomorrow to visit the aquarium and our favorite burger spot. What are you doing? Meanwhile, here are a few, fun links for weekend reading: The best time to expand your kid’s food palate Surprising things about French…
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On having an identity crisis
The other day I found myself in a sticky situation. I was at a party, trying to have a conversation and also trying to prevent my toddler from destroying the host’s home, when the question came up “So, what do you do?” After a beat, I said “I’m a writer.” Because I am. Well, kind…
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Have a slow weekend…

…because it feels as though the rest of the world is moving at a neck-breaking pace. Last weekend we planned to be luxury glamping in the Alps, when my husband suddenly came down with a mysterious stomach pain. He checked into the hospital with what we thought was appendicitis and six long, confusing days later he checked…
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What’s in my suitcase this summer

I love packing for summer vacations. For each sundress and swimsuit I pack, I imagine a different, idyllic scenario. Strolling down a cobblestoned street with an ice cream cone in hand. Sunning myself on a beach with a good book. And the best scenario of all: Sauntering onto the plane with everything packed into a…
