Traditional dance and song are performed on stages scattered throughout the V&A Waterfront The Victoria & Albert Waterfront, considered one of the Cape Town’s “Big Six” tourist attractions, is a veritable feast for the senses. Start with a visit to Two Oceans Aquarium, where more than 3,000 animals showcase the diversity of marine flora and fauna found in our oceans. Highlights are its Kelp Forest exhibit, one of only two in the world, and its underwater experiences that include diving with the sharks and daily feeding of the fish and penguins. Also worthy of a visit is the Iziko Maritime Museum, which describes the history of Table Bay Harbour and displays an extensive collection of intricate ship models from various time periods as well as life-size South African shipwrecks. By special appointment the ruins of a Dutch East India Company military installation discovered during the construction of the Clock Tower Precinct in 1999 can be toured at Chavonnes Bat...[more »]

Reading Terminal Market If you’re looking for a unique place to shop or eat while in Philadelphia, be sure to head over to Reading Terminal Market.  In this bustling market, there’s something for everyone.  Vendors sell fresh and unique foods ranging from fish to chocolates, flower and gifts abound, and food stands ranging from pizza to Philly steak sandwiches are intermingled with the sit-down restaurants and shops.  Make your way through the aisles, and you’ll be surprised at the variety of goods for sale here. Reading Terminal Market is adjacent to the convention center, and within walking distance of historic sites like Independence Hall.  We walked there for lunch while touring the historic area.  If you go, hang on to your kids (it can be very busy) and take cash (some of the vendors and restaurants are cash-only).  Then enjoy the place with all your senses as you smell the food, see the flowers, taste a treat, feel the handmade goods, and hear the noise f...[more »]

There are many reasons to love NYC during the holidays. Some reasons we have heard much about. But others are those little surprises you get when turning the block on your way to catch a train or to meet a friend. These unexpected little surprises are not only found all year round in the city, but most especially during the holidays. One such surprise for me was on my way to catch the train home. I found that Port Authority terminal has a new art resident, at least for the moment. Noel Wiggins, founder of Areaware, a NYC based manufacturer known best for their unique and contemporary design and original expression, has set up a Holiday Pop-Up Shop displaying the various artistic pieces and design items in the area of fashion, accessories, furniture, even toys, by both local and international designers and artists. We were recently in the store admiring all the brightly colored holiday displays and neon colored windows and ornaments. The Stop Shop follows the most recent of their Pop-...[more »]