Going home again

Sometimes you need to just make a trip back home to remember why you don't live there anymore- and other times you return to a place that has warm and special memories. The Long Beach boardwalk brings me memories of my grandmother since she lived right next to the Monroe Blvd entrance and of my dad- it's where I spent the days after his death in 2008 walking back and forth each day trying to make sense of this deep loss in my life. This time returning to the Boardwalk all new (and no longer wood) since Hurricane Sandy- simply provided a leisurely walk and a couple of photos.

June is busting out all over!

I can't believe it is already June- one wedding down and one more to go! This is the first time in nine years I'm not in an exotic locale. Posting a slice of Americana as that was my last destination- Whitesboro NY. Just regular people- flying flags and dandelions growing in the grass. This was their first taste of summer after a long cold winter.

Memories of May

May is almost always my time to venture Europe along with all of the other tourists! This May I'm in the States because Rachel is getting married! Venice is a spot I've enjoyed (of course with the rest of beautiful Italy) many times. Last year I had the opportunity to visit Lake Como and the Amalfi Coast two places I highly recommend. Did you know that Italy is the most visited country in the world? I can vouch for why it is a must have on your travel bucket list. If you should happen to find yourself in Tuscany there is an American cemetery outside Florence that you absolutely must take the drive to see- bring tissues it is a very emotional visit to see the final resting ground of those that lost their lives in WWII and their families decided to leave them to rest on the beautiful countryside of Italy. I chose a few photos to entice you to visit one of my favorite destinations- Italy!

Havana Cuba

There is a lot to say about Havana- what I would give to have seen this amazing place in its hayday! The architecture is reminiscent of a European style - if you can look past the crumbling poverty and disrepair the beauty is extraordinary. The pride of the Cuban people is evident whether in the barrios or in the city proper. Also prevalent is the poverty, the food shortages, and the lack of financial infrastructure. Despite all of this Havana gets a A rating from this traveler! For me it was the Latin India- a cacophony of sounds ( wonderful Afro-Caribbean ) and sights to delight anyone that appreciates history, architecture, and music. Looking to return sometime soon. Please look at the photos that I’ve added to my gallery and will continue to update all week. www.cinsationaljourney.com

Sunsets on Clearwater beach are always an event- the skies rarely disappoint! Even when the sky is clear and the sun just seems to melt into the Gulf the "after sky" will always bring joy to those who wait. Go by ferry and walk the marina before stepping onto the pearl white sandy beaches ranked #1 by Travel Advisor- Clearwater Beach! #sunsets, #clearwaterbeach, #birds, #pier60