Warning: non-parents should avoid reading the first paragraph as it contains very graphic descriptions that might discourage them from reproducing. At first we did not enjoy the cruise. The first 2 days were at sea without arriving anyplace or seeing anything. We found nothing to do on ship. One might suggest resting pool-side or enjoying one if the well done meals in the restaurants. Or laying around the cabin and resting. Even a casino might pass the time. NONE are possible with a one year-old that has hit his “terrible twos” too early and a 4 year-old, still not over that stage. Consider eating: every table is nicely set except for yours which has all its plates and utensils at one remote corner in a pile. On the exact opposite side is Ariel throwing rice ... read more

Mountains are not the first thing one thinks about when thinking about the Caribbean, but for the last few days we stayed up in the mountains of the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. Both have high mountains covered with rain forests. The DR has a mountain over 3000m high but we did not pass the 1000m mark. Still, mountains are a refreshing change from beaches. Frankly, we are not really beach-folk and climbing up and down forests is where we feel more comfortable. Another source of pleasure in traveling in the DR and PR is that for the first time since my trip to Latin America in 2003 I am speaking Spanish. Although my vocabulary is not as good as it was after that 8 month trip I'm happy that, even after a decade without speaking ... read more

The best souvenirs are bought in the supermarket. That is the easiest place to get the local feel to life. I like to end every trip at the supermarket and fill my suitcase with local flavors that can last for a few week at home. At the end of a 2 day business-trip to Northern Italy a couple of weeks ago I had to fill petrol in the rental car before returning it. At the roadside convenience store I bought some fresh pasta, cheese, olive oil and wine to take home that was so excellent most readers will have to go to their BEST and most expensive local Delicatessen if they will want to top the produce casually sold at a store next to the petrol station in Italy Last week I spent some time working ... read more

“Like all great travellers, I have seen more than I remember, and remember more than I have seen.” Benjamin Disraeli Italy is the 46th country or territory that I (Yaron) have visited. You might think it would be higher up on the list but I have a prejudice aversion to “classical Europe”. What so good about old buildings, Cathedrals and cities? This week we did the “classical Europe” thing and you know what? It’s not bad :) For example, I used to think that Pisa was just about this leaning Tower thing. I could not for-the-life-of-me understand why one would bother to go there just to see that tourist trap. But then I turned a corner on a little Pisa street and, quite unexpectedly , stood before me a beautiful marble tower which also happened ... read more

“The Balkans produce more history than they can consume” Winston Churchill From the first moment in Bosnia I knew I will love being here. Crossing the border from Croatia you notice that things look a little bit unordered in a manner that is not quite “European”. Right after the border crossing (with a non-English speaking guard) the Bosnian flag is followed by a …Serbian looking flag. Strange. The houses are not decorated with flowers as we got used to in Slovenia and Croatia. The feeling is that you have arrived to someplace different and not “yet-another European country”. The first village you pass has a church that looks different than the ones we saw before (its orthodox). In the second village from the border you notice a mosque. Its minaret is made of wood! That ... read more