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› Contributors › Karen Gershowitz

Karen Gershowitz Blogger, Author

Since leaving home for Europe alone at age seventeen, Karen Gershowitz has traveled to more than ninety countries.

In pursuit of her passion for Travel, she lost and gained friends and lovers and made a radical career change. She learned courage and risk taking and succeeded at things she didn’t think she could do: She climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro. She visited remote areas of Indonesia on her own and became a translator, though only fluent in English.

Karen is the author of Travel Mania: Stories of Wanderlust. Her example will inspire armchair travelers to become explorers and embolden everyone to be more courageous.

Karen lives in New York City.

Books Authored By Karen Gershowitz

By Karen Gershowitz

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Short entry today. This morning I flew from Muscat, Oman to Abu Dhabi, UAE. Tomorrow morning I fly home. By the time i got off the plane, got through the airport and immigration, and to my hotel, it w…

Short entry today. T…

Short entry today. This morning I flew from Muscat, Oman to Abu Dhabi, UAE. Tomorrow morning I fly home. By the time i got off the plane, got through the airport and immigration, and to my hotel, it was afternoon. With a few hours to kill, I made my way to a local mall, home to the LuLu Hypermarket. I love visiting grocery stores. This one kept me happily entertained. Source

Karen Gershowitz March 31, 2025

Wadi Bani Khalid and Wahiba Sands, Oman

Today involved even more driving than yesterday. I wasn’t the one doing the driving, but I’m still exhausted. For more than two hours we headed south through areas that became progressively less p…

Today involved even …

Today involved even more driving than yesterday. I wasn’t the one doing the driving, but I’m still exhausted. For more than two hours we headed south through areas that became progressively less populated. We passed loads of small villages, each backing up to the mountains, with perhaps ten or twelve homes. Not only were there fewer buildings, but there was also less and less vegetation. Then… Source

Karen Gershowitz March 31, 2025

Nizwa and Al Jabal Al Akhdar (the Green Mountains), Oman

Today included a lot of driving, much of it through strikingly beautiful mountain ranges. The first stop was Nizwa, almost two hours southwest of Muscat. It is the capital of the interior and the birt…

Today included a lot…

Today included a lot of driving, much of it through strikingly beautiful mountain ranges. The first stop was Nizwa, almost two hours southwest of Muscat. It is the capital of the interior and the birthplace of Islam in the Sultanate of Oman. First, I walked through the souk. It was surprisingly modern. I bought two of the local specialties, rose oil and rose water. I didn’t like the scent of… Source

Karen Gershowitz March 31, 2025

Muscat, Oman – Day 2

This morning, I went on a city tour of Muscat. My overall impression is that it is a very livable city. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are flashy, ever growing, with their motto being bigger is better. Here the …

This morning, I went…

This morning, I went on a city tour of Muscat. My overall impression is that it is a very livable city. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are flashy, ever growing, with their motto being bigger is better. Here the impression I get is of the balance between people and nature and an emphasis on quality of life. Except on the mountainsides, there is greenery and flowers everywhere. And the plantings were designed… Source

Karen Gershowitz March 31, 2025

This morning I flew on Air Dubai to Muscat. It’s a short flight (50 minutes), but they start boarding very early so I was up and out before I’d had a good night’s Sleep. Despite the shortness of…

This morning I flew …

This morning I flew on Air Dubai to Muscat. It’s a short flight (50 minutes), but they start boarding very early so I was up and out before I’d had a good night’s sleep. Despite the shortness of the flight, the flight attendants passed out a lunch box. On flights in the states, you probably wouldn’t even get water. The airport in Muscat is new, efficient, and beautiful… Source

Karen Gershowitz March 31, 2025

Dubai, UAE – Day 3

Today was spent going from one end of Dubai to the other, in each place viewing different perspectives of the city. First stop was “the old town.” It isn’t old, it’s a replica. My favorite par…

Today was spent goin…

Today was spent going from one end of Dubai to the other, in each place viewing different perspectives of the city. First stop was “the old town.” It isn’t old, it’s a replica. My favorite part was the painted camels that reminded me of the artist decorated cows that were on display in NYC many years ago. Next was “the Frame.” When I was in Dubai before the structure was still being… Source

Karen Gershowitz March 31, 2025

Dubai, UAE- Day 2

After disembarking from the ship, the next stop was a transfer to the hotel. It’s a lovely hotel and the room is enormous—a welcome change after the tiny cabin on the ship. I’d wanted to visit a…

After disembarking f…

After disembarking from the ship, the next stop was a transfer to the hotel. It’s a lovely hotel and the room is enormous—a welcome change after the tiny cabin on the ship. I’d wanted to visit a local souk, not the insanely over-the-top malls that Dubai is famous for. Google directed me to the Khan Murjan Souk. When the taxi pulled into a weird, Egyptian facsimile mall, I knew I wasn’t where… Source

Karen Gershowitz March 31, 2025

Today was a very busy day, but this will be a short post. We disembark from the ship tomorrow morning. Between packing and saying goodbye to friends met on board, there hasn’t been much time to writ…

Today was a very bus…

Today was a very busy day, but this will be a short post. We disembark from the ship tomorrow morning. Between packing and saying goodbye to friends met on board, there hasn’t been much time to write. I spent this morning at the Dubai Miracle Garden. It is a miracle that this garden exists in the middle of the desert and what appears to be a massive construction project. It’s also weird… Source

Karen Gershowitz March 31, 2025

Sir BaniYas Island, UAE

I spent most of yesterday in bed trying to shake a cold that came on like a monsoon. I didn’t know I was capable of sleeping that much. But it seems to have helped. What I missed was a return visit …

I spent most of yest…

I spent most of yesterday in bed trying to shake a cold that came on like a monsoon. I didn’t know I was capable of sleeping that much. But it seems to have helped. What I missed was a return visit to the Abu Dhabi Louvre. This morning I felt better. Most passengers opted to stay at the beach. I took a short tour of this strange place. One I had never heard of but was intrigued by. Source

Karen Gershowitz March 24, 2025

At sea on the Persian Gulf

Today we are traveling from Bahrain to Abu Dhabi. So not many photos. I was up in time for sunrise, a very different experience than inspiring French Polynesia. The water was a uniform color. Not a cl…

Today we are traveli…

Today we are traveling from Bahrain to Abu Dhabi. So not many photos. I was up in time for sunrise, a very different experience than inspiring French Polynesia. The water was a uniform color. Not a cloud in the sky. When the sun made it’s way over the horizon it was a glowing orb, perfectly round and blinding. My morning was spent at the spa. First a massage, followed by a sauna… Source

Karen Gershowitz March 24, 2025

Kingdom of Bahrain

When I pulled back the curtain this morning, the view was less than inspiring. The ship was docking at an industrial looking pier. The view was of shipping containers and low block-like storage buildi…

When I pulled back t…

When I pulled back the curtain this morning, the view was less than inspiring. The ship was docking at an industrial looking pier. The view was of shipping containers and low block-like storage buildings. No green anywhere. The ride into central Bahrain took about thirty minutes. I kept expecting to see the gorgeous skyline and architecture of Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. There are a few… Source

Karen Gershowitz March 21, 2025

This was my first time in Qatar. I suspect that even if I had, I wouldn’t have recognized it. Everything is new and newer. The souk (market), which looks old, was built in 2006 after a fire destroye…

This was my first ti…

This was my first time in Qatar. I suspect that even if I had, I wouldn’t have recognized it. Everything is new and newer. The souk (market), which looks old, was built in 2006 after a fire destroyed the original 200 year old structure. The guide told us that 40, 30, even 25 year old buildings are torn down to make room for new buildings. In the souk are camels that twice a day are in a… Source

Karen Gershowitz March 21, 2025

Abroad the MSC Euribia in Dubai

My friend Sue and I boarded the ship for a seven day cruise around the Emirates. When we return from the cruise we will spend a couple of days in Dubai before heading to Oman. The ship is quite a shoc…

My friend Sue and I …

My friend Sue and I boarded the ship for a seven day cruise around the Emirates. When we return from the cruise we will spend a couple of days in Dubai before heading to Oman. The ship is quite a shock after my last two cruises. It is VERY large–6,000+ passengers. Not my preferred way to travel, but I liked the itinerary. The passengers are from all over the globe. Lots of Chinese… Source

Karen Gershowitz March 21, 2025

Abu Dhabi and Dubai, UAE

After a twelve-hour flight I arrived in Abu Dhabi late this morning. Because we departed midday, it never felt like it was time to sleep. But with the eight-hour time difference the flight arrived mid…

After a twelve-hour …

After a twelve-hour flight I arrived in Abu Dhabi late this morning. Because we departed midday, it never felt like it was time to sleep. But with the eight-hour time difference the flight arrived mid-morning. I’m now functioning on sheer force of will. I’ll be heading to bed soon. I was in this part of the world eight years ago. Because I know it changes quickly, I wanted to visit again. Source

Karen Gershowitz March 21, 2025

Bora Bora, French Polynesia – Day 2

Note: I’m finally posting journal entries that I couldn’t post because of limited wifi while I was in French Polynesia. I’m home at the moment. This is the only port where we stayed overnight. I…

Note: I’m finally …

Note: I’m finally posting journal entries that I couldn’t post because of limited wifi while I was in French Polynesia. I’m home at the moment. This is the only port where we stayed overnight. It’s totally fine with me. Even though it is the most visited island in French Polynesia, apart from Tahiti, it doesn’t feel crowded. It’s large enough, with enough activities both in and on the water… Source

Karen Gershowitz March 5, 2025

Bora Bora, French Polynesia – Day 1

I woke at 5AM for sunrise and to watch as the ship neared Bora Bora, circled around the reef to the only entry into the lagoon. The entry to the lagoon was constructed by the US Army Corps of Engineer…

I woke at 5AM for su…

I woke at 5AM for sunrise and to watch as the ship neared Bora Bora, circled around the reef to the only entry into the lagoon. The entry to the lagoon was constructed by the US Army Corps of Engineers during WWII. They also brought electricity, built an airport, roads and other infrastructure. The Bora Borans are very fond of Americans. Bora Bora has a dramatic and distinctive landscape. Source

Karen Gershowitz February 24, 2025

Nuku Hiva, French Polynesia

The sky had just brightened when I opened the curtain and had my first glimpse of Nuku Hiva. It is the largest island in the Marquesas Island group, which is not to say it is a huge island. I stood on…

The sky had just bri…

The sky had just brightened when I opened the curtain and had my first glimpse of Nuku Hiva. It is the largest island in the Marquesas Island group, which is not to say it is a huge island. I stood on the terrace entranced by the scene before me—high, foliage covered peaks meeting turquoise sea. For a good thirty minutes I couldn’t tear myself away from the view. Then breakfast called. Source

Karen Gershowitz February 24, 2025

At Sea- French Polynesia Day 2

We spent the day cruising to our next destination island. Fortunately the sea was calm and it was smooth sailing. Apart from eating, which I did a lot of–the food on the ship is delicious–it was a…

We spent the day cru…

We spent the day cruising to our next destination island. Fortunately the sea was calm and it was smooth sailing. Apart from eating, which I did a lot of–the food on the ship is delicious–it was a very full day. In the morning, I listened to a talk about the formation of these islands and their coral reefs. I wrote another chapter for my new book. In the afternoon I worked out in the gym… Source

Karen Gershowitz February 19, 2025

Fakarava, French Polynesia

The weather has improved immensely. We now have that postcard perfect view of turquoise water and blue skies. It’s always a thrill to arrive to a new destination, especially when it’s one you’d …

The weather has impr…

The weather has improved immensely. We now have that postcard perfect view of turquoise water and blue skies. It’s always a thrill to arrive to a new destination, especially when it’s one you’d never even heard of. That describes Fakarava. It is a protected biosphere atoll. Very long and narrow. There are a total of about 850 inhabitants. Until recently, no cruise ships came here. Source

Karen Gershowitz February 19, 2025

At Sea- French Polynesia

I’m on board the Oceania ship, the Nautica, sailing through French Polynesia. The operative word today is THROUGH. The ship departed from Tahiti last night and arrived early this morning near Moorea…

I’m on board the O…

I’m on board the Oceania ship, the Nautica, sailing through French Polynesia. The operative word today is THROUGH. The ship departed from Tahiti last night and arrived early this morning near Moorea. Last night I watched a video about Moorea, and it looked gorgeous; towering peaks set against turquoise water. The botanical garden filled with exotic flowers I’d never seen. Source

Karen Gershowitz February 19, 2025

Medellin, Colombia – Day 6

Yesterday was my final day enjoying beautiful and WARM Medellin. My flight was late in the afternoon, so I had time to explore a bit. I met Phil and his friends Roy and Jim for breakfast. Then Phil an…

Yesterday was my fin…

Yesterday was my final day enjoying beautiful and WARM Medellin. My flight was late in the afternoon, so I had time to explore a bit. I met Phil and his friends Roy and Jim for breakfast. Then Phil and I headed to the aquarium. It’s part of a delightful science center. Kids and kids-at-heart enjoyed the outdoor exhibits that made learning science theories fun. Inside the aquarium were… Source

Karen Gershowitz February 17, 2025

Medellin, Colombia- Day 5

Today began with only the briefest of plans—I wanted to see a local food market. Phil took me to Plaza de Mercado, Las Americas. It is one of the smaller markets in the city, but close by and of a m…

Today began with onl…

Today began with only the briefest of plans—I wanted to see a local food market. Phil took me to Plaza de Mercado, Las Americas. It is one of the smaller markets in the city, but close by and of a manageable size. The other markets are enormous, requiring loads of walking and steps. I love going to food markets wherever I travel. This one was notable for a few things. First, nearly all the meat… Source

Karen Gershowitz February 17, 2025

Medellin, Colombia- Day 4

Phil had some things he needed to do today, so I went exploring on my own. What’s nice about getting around the city is that it is very easy–Uber is readily available and inexpensive. The most I�…

Phil had some things…

Phil had some things he needed to do today, so I went exploring on my own. What’s nice about getting around the city is that it is very easy–Uber is readily available and inexpensive. The most I’ve paid for any ride was under $5, and most rides are just one or two dollars. You can’t even open the door of a NYC taxi for that amount. My first destination was El Castillo Museum and Gardens in… Source

Karen Gershowitz February 17, 2025

Medellin, Colombia- Day 3

oday was a tranquil respite from exploring the city. Phil and I each had a leisurely morning, then met to go to the Medellin Jardín Botánico (Botanical Garden). Phil knows that I’m a frequent visi…

oday was a tranquil …

oday was a tranquil respite from exploring the city. Phil and I each had a leisurely morning, then met to go to the Medellin Jardín Botánico (Botanical Garden). Phil knows that I’m a frequent visitor to the New York Botanical Garden and warned me this wouldn’t be as impressive. But that wasn’t my takeaway. Like most gardens around the globe, it focuses on the local vegetation. Source

Karen Gershowitz February 17, 2025

Medellin, Colombia- Day 2

Phil and I got off to an early start this morning. Our destination was Comuna 13, an area that has a wrenching history from the Pablo Escobar days. At that time, it was one of the most dangerous areas…

Phil and I got off t…

Phil and I got off to an early start this morning. Our destination was Comuna 13, an area that has a wrenching history from the Pablo Escobar days. At that time, it was one of the most dangerous areas in the city, plagued by gang violence, drug trafficking, and clashes between armed groups. The neighborhood runs up the side of a mountain. Its steep hills and labyrinthine streets provided refuge… Source

Karen Gershowitz February 17, 2025

Medellin, Colombia – Day 1

I’ve wanted to visit Medellin for many years, ever since the downfall of Pablo Escobar and the drug lords who terrorized the city for many years. Since his demise in 1993, Medellin has experienced a…

I’ve wanted to vis…

I’ve wanted to visit Medellin for many years, ever since the downfall of Pablo Escobar and the drug lords who terrorized the city for many years. Since his demise in 1993, Medellin has experienced a transformation into a safe (mostly), very livable city. Situated high in the Andes mountains, it has been described as a small slice of heaven, with perfect weather and lush vegetation. Source

Karen Gershowitz February 17, 2025

Oslo- Day Three (final day)

My trip to Norway is winding down. Tomorrow, I will fly back to New York City. This journey wasn’t quite what I’d hoped for—I never did get to see the northern lights. Still, it was a fascinatin…

My trip to Norway is…

My trip to Norway is winding down. Tomorrow, I will fly back to New York City. This journey wasn’t quite what I’d hoped for—I never did get to see the northern lights. Still, it was a fascinating experience. On board the ship I met a group of wonderful women who were part of the JourneyWoman 30th Anniversary Cruise on Hurtigruten. I got to experience life in the far north near winter solstice when… Source

Karen Gershowitz February 17, 2025

So glad I enjoyed the sunshine yesterday and spent most of the sunlight hours outdoors. Today it snowed in the morning and after it ended, the skies were slate gray. I’m hopeful for tomorrow, the fo…

So glad I enjoyed th…

So glad I enjoyed the sunshine yesterday and spent most of the sunlight hours outdoors. Today it snowed in the morning and after it ended, the skies were slate gray. I’m hopeful for tomorrow, the forecast for my last day in Norway is for sun. Given the weather conditions, this was a good day to stay inside. I headed to the Munch Museum. If you are like me, you know Edvard Munch’s famous… Source

Karen Gershowitz February 17, 2025

I will start by saying the best part of today was the sunshine. For almost five hours there was bright sun, at one point so bright I wished I had brought sunglasses. After a week in near darkness, it …

I will start by sayi…

I will start by saying the best part of today was the sunshine. For almost five hours there was bright sun, at one point so bright I wished I had brought sunglasses. After a week in near darkness, it came as a huge relief. Sunshine has the ability to cheer me up. When I get back home to New York City, the days (even though short at winter solstice) will feel very long. As I often do when I go… Source

Karen Gershowitz February 17, 2025

Arctic Circle Arrival

Today, in rain and wind, the ship crossed into the Arctic circle. Though about 8am, the sun wasn’t close to appearing. Official sunrise in Bodo, where we were headed, was 11:05 with sunset following…

Today, in rain and w…

Today, in rain and wind, the ship crossed into the Arctic circle. Though about 8am, the sun wasn’t close to appearing. Official sunrise in Bodo, where we were headed, was 11:05 with sunset following quickly at 12:47. Our ship is the Midnitsol (Midnight sun). For this journey it should more appropriately be named the nosol (no sun). At 11:15 we had our offical welcome to the Arctic… Source

Karen Gershowitz February 17, 2025

Escape to Hyde Park, NY

Though this mini trip was planned a long time ago, the timing was perfect. I’m spending a few days with two friends who I’ve known since childhood. We’re doing everything possible to avoid think…

Though this mini tri…

Though this mini trip was planned a long time ago, the timing was perfect. I’m spending a few days with two friends who I’ve known since childhood. We’re doing everything possible to avoid thinking about the election. Dutchess County, NY is about a two-hour drive from NYC, mostly on scenic highways. The area is filled with historic sites, including FDR’s home and library… Source

Karen Gershowitz February 13, 2025

Sandia Mountains, New Mexico

I’m home, but there is one more excursion to share. On my final morning, Jeanne and I drove up Sandia Mountain to view the changing of the aspens. The autumn colors in my part of the US (the northea…

I’m home, but ther…

I’m home, but there is one more excursion to share. On my final morning, Jeanne and I drove up Sandia Mountain to view the changing of the aspens. The autumn colors in my part of the US (the northeast) is ablaze with a dozen shades of red, orange, gold and every conceivable permutation. There’s a reason people come from all over to go leaf peeping. In New Mexico, the colors are less eye… Source

Karen Gershowitz February 13, 2025

Balloon Festival Glow: Albuquerque, New Mexico

The mass balloon ascension is the big draw for the festival, it’s what attracts the most people. But each evening there is a second event, the “glow.” Rather than heading into the skies, the bal…

The mass balloon asc…

The mass balloon ascension is the big draw for the festival, it’s what attracts the most people. But each evening there is a second event, the “glow.” Rather than heading into the skies, the balloons are tethered down. Lit from within by propane in bursts, the vibrant balloon envelopes shimmer against the dark sky. While we were waiting for the glow to begin we watched the Sandia Mountains… Source

Karen Gershowitz February 13, 2025

The Turquoise Trail, New Mexico

On my first trip to New Mexico, nearly fifty years ago, I explored the Turquoise Trail which connects Santa Fe and Albuquerque. The fifty-mile trail is named for the rich deposits of turquoise mined i…

On my first trip to …

On my first trip to New Mexico, nearly fifty years ago, I explored the Turquoise Trail which connects Santa Fe and Albuquerque. The fifty-mile trail is named for the rich deposits of turquoise mined in the region. It meanders through the Sandia Mountains and connects several historic mining towns like Cerrillos, Madrid, and Golden. The trail has been used for centuries, first by Native American… Source

Karen Gershowitz February 13, 2025

Balloon Festival — Albuquerque, New Mexico

The mass ascension of the balloons is scheduled to begin at sunrise. You need to get up incredibly early to drive to the fairgrounds, park, and find a good viewing spot. We were up and on the road by …

The mass ascension o…

The mass ascension of the balloons is scheduled to begin at sunrise. You need to get up incredibly early to drive to the fairgrounds, park, and find a good viewing spot. We were up and on the road by 3:30 AM. As we neared the area, traffic came to a standstill. Inching forward with a battalion of cars, we eventually pulled into the parking lot in time to snag one of the remaining handicapped… Source

Karen Gershowitz February 13, 2025

Albuquerque, New Mexico

I’ve flown from the pancake flat land and water of Louisiana to the high mountainous desert of New Mexico. I’m here, staying with my friends Jeannie and Jack, for the balloon festival. Jeannie and…

I’ve flown from th…

I’ve flown from the pancake flat land and water of Louisiana to the high mountainous desert of New Mexico. I’m here, staying with my friends Jeannie and Jack, for the balloon festival. Jeannie and Jack recently bought a new home with breathtaking views and frequent visits by wild horses, bears, and other wildlife. I’m staying in their casita, which in Manhattan would be a large and desirable… Source

Karen Gershowitz February 13, 2025

Lafitte, Louisiana

I’ve known about the pirate Jean Lafitte for many years and have recently been running into him along the gulf coast, first in Galveston Texas and now in Louisiana. Lafitte’s Legacy is deeply inte…

I’ve known about t…

I’ve known about the pirate Jean Lafitte for many years and have recently been running into him along the gulf coast, first in Galveston Texas and now in Louisiana. Lafitte’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the lore of the area, where he remains a legendary figure of adventure, rebellion, and piracy. But I never knew there was a town named in his honor. Lafitte is in Jefferson Parish… Source

Karen Gershowitz February 13, 2025

Grand Isle, Louisiana

I left Breaux Bridge early yesterday morning for the 3-1/2-hour drive to Grand Isle, Louisiana. The terrain through the first part of the journey was familiar to me. Miles upon miles of sugar cane, wh…

I left Breaux Bridge…

I left Breaux Bridge early yesterday morning for the 3-1/2-hour drive to Grand Isle, Louisiana. The terrain through the first part of the journey was familiar to me. Miles upon miles of sugar cane, which at this time of year is beginning to be harvested. Even early morning trucks filled with cane were on the road, heading to the sugar refinery. The refineries are enormous… Source

Karen Gershowitz February 13, 2025

Washington DC – Day 3

After my late night at the Kennedy Center, and without needing to walk Pookah, I slept in this morning. For me, that means until 7:30. By 11am I was at the National Mall, heading into the Hirshhorn Mu…

After my late night …

After my late night at the Kennedy Center, and without needing to walk Pookah, I slept in this morning. For me, that means until 7:30. By 11am I was at the National Mall, heading into the Hirshhorn Museum. It was the exhibit of the work by Simone Leigh that attracted me. I’d read that she had represented the US at the 2022 Venice Biennale, one of the most important contemporary art… Source

Karen Gershowitz August 8, 2024

Washington DC – Day 4

Yesterday I explored a neighborhood I’d never been to before—NOMA. NOMA, north of Massachusetts Avenue, is actually about a mile north of Mass Ave. There’s a good reason I’d never visited ther…

Yesterday I explored…

Yesterday I explored a neighborhood I’d never been to before—NOMA. NOMA, north of Massachusetts Avenue, is actually about a mile north of Mass Ave. There’s a good reason I’d never visited there before, until about eight years ago it was an old industrial area filled with warehouses and parking lots. Then gentrification and development began, and the neighborhood is rapidly transforming. Source

Karen Gershowitz August 8, 2024

Washington DC – Day 5

Yesterday was my final day in DC before returning home. One of the great things about the Smithsonian museums is that they are open seven days a week, year-round, except for Christmas and New Year’s…

Yesterday was my fin…

Yesterday was my final day in DC before returning home. One of the great things about the Smithsonian museums is that they are open seven days a week, year-round, except for Christmas and New Year’s Day. My first stop was at the National Museum of the American Indian. This too is new since the last time I visited the museums on the mall. Architecturally it is a beautiful building. Source

Karen Gershowitz August 8, 2024

Pookah is a homebody. He loves nothing more than a day when he goes for very quick walks and spends the rest of the time in the apartment. Yesterday was a gorgeous day and I decided we needed to spend…

Pookah is a homebody…

Pookah is a homebody. He loves nothing more than a day when he goes for very quick walks and spends the rest of the time in the apartment. Yesterday was a gorgeous day and I decided we needed to spend time outside. It’s an easy drive to Ft. Tryon Park. It took some doing to convince Pookah to walk the short distance from the car to a bench looking out to the Hudson River. Once seated… Source

Karen Gershowitz August 8, 2024

The Holidays are Here

This weekend will be filled with holiday events, even though it isn’t even Thanksgiving. On Friday, my destination was the NY Botanical Garden’s Train Show. I love the show and go every year. Apar…

This weekend will be…

This weekend will be filled with holiday events, even though it isn’t even Thanksgiving. On Friday, my destination was the NY Botanical Garden’s Train Show. I love the show and go every year. Apart from the trains, the highlights are NYC landmarks constructed entirely from natural materials. They are incredible works of art. Yesterday was opening day and member’s day. It was also sixty… Source

Karen Gershowitz August 8, 2024

It was a warm, clear night. At 6:30 the sky was coal black with a perfect half-moon, ideal conditions for viewing the Lantern Show at the Queens Farm. The light show is enchanting if a bit helter-skel…

It was a warm, clear…

It was a warm, clear night. At 6:30 the sky was coal black with a perfect half-moon, ideal conditions for viewing the Lantern Show at the Queens Farm. The light show is enchanting if a bit helter-skelter. Large sculptures, beautifully crafted and vividly colored, are lit from within. There doesn’t seem to be a theme. There are sections of farm animals, dinosaurs, birds, robots, sea life… Source

Karen Gershowitz August 8, 2024

Thanksgiving Prep

I arrived in Colorado yesterday to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with my cousins. We have been sharing Thanksgiving since I was a small child, and I can count on one hand the number of times we w…

I arrived in Colorad…

I arrived in Colorado yesterday to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with my cousins. We have been sharing Thanksgiving since I was a small child, and I can count on one hand the number of times we weren’t together. The preparations for Thanksgiving were well under way. Apple pies were about to be put into the oven. I was immediately put to work. I’m the official chopper. Source

Karen Gershowitz August 8, 2024

More Thanksgiving Prep

In the morning we made cranberry sauce, worked on the stuffing, and various other bits and pieces. We bought wine for a huge crowd. Then, miraculously, we were ahead of schedule. It was a beautiful da…

In the morning we ma…

In the morning we made cranberry sauce, worked on the stuffing, and various other bits and pieces. We bought wine for a huge crowd. Then, miraculously, we were ahead of schedule. It was a beautiful day, so we headed into Boulder for a stroll on the Pearl Street pedestrian Mall. It was hopping. We poked in some of our favorite shops and enjoyed watching the lively, holiday crowd. Source

Karen Gershowitz August 8, 2024

Louisiana – Day 1

My body doesn’t quite know what to make of my travels. Freezing cold, arid Colorado to moderately cold New York to balmy, humid Louisiana. I’ve managed to get a cold, fortunately not covid, and am…

My body doesn’t qu…

My body doesn’t quite know what to make of my travels. Freezing cold, arid Colorado to moderately cold New York to balmy, humid Louisiana. I’ve managed to get a cold, fortunately not covid, and am soldiering through. I flew to New Orleans yesterday. It’s a city I love and have been to many times, but this trip is different. It is being sponsored by the Louisiana Office of Tourism. Source

Karen Gershowitz August 8, 2024

Louisiana – Day 2

A uniform steel gray sky wasn’t a good omen. But in New Orleans “laissez les bons temps rouler,” let the good times roll, is the rule. My day started the Vue Orleans. Perched on the top levels o…

A uniform steel gray…

A uniform steel gray sky wasn’t a good omen. But in New Orleans “laissez les bons temps rouler,” let the good times roll, is the rule. My day started the Vue Orleans. Perched on the top levels of the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans it’s a combination interactive playground and 360-degree observatory. I loved the interactive displays where famous locals, past and present, come alive and teach… Source

Karen Gershowitz August 8, 2024

Louisiana – Day 6

After five days of nearly continuous activity, today needed to be at a slower pace. I slept in, wrote and leisurely packed. Once I finally got moving, it was just over an hour drive to Louisiana’s c…

After five days of n…

After five days of nearly continuous activity, today needed to be at a slower pace. I slept in, wrote and leisurely packed. Once I finally got moving, it was just over an hour drive to Louisiana’s capital, Baton Rouge (or Red Stick in translation). As I’d passed through Baton Rouge before but never spent any time there, a brief stop seemed like a good idea. A few facts I learned from the… Source

Karen Gershowitz August 6, 2024

Louisiana — Day 8

After my quiet day, I was back to serious exploring. After breakfast at @MaisonMouton B&B in Lafayette I headed west towards Rayne. My friends wondered why I was going there. As Leo said, it’s not m…

After my quiet day, …

After my quiet day, I was back to serious exploring. After breakfast at @MaisonMouton B&B in Lafayette I headed west towards Rayne. My friends wondered why I was going there. As Leo said, it’s not much more than a dot on the map. Rayne has proclaimed itself. “The Frog Capital of the World.” This started in the late 1800s when Jacques Weil and his brothers started a business exporting frogs to… Source

Karen Gershowitz August 6, 2024

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Joe Dimino Podcaster/Artist

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Jeremy Long The Unscaled Travel Show

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Gerard Durling Brick Headstrong

Devin Thorpe Champion of Social Good
Drew Deraney Mindset Mastery Coach (Life Coach with a Twist)

Don Akchin Publisher/Podcaster at The EndGame

KEVIN MCDONALD Host and Creator of Positive Talk Radio

Chris Christensen Chris Christensen

Teri M Brown Award-winning Author and Podcast Host

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John Lee Dumas John Lee Dumas

Greg Aler Founder of Golden Reserve and Author of Fire Your Financial Advisor

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Jen Smiley Food Coach

Charlene Norman Truth Teller @ Good Stewardship; Lasting Impact.

Rosalind Sedacca Divorce, Dating & Empowered Living
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Almitra Berry Dr. Berry

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ALLEN KOPELMAN CEO, Nationwide Payment Systems | Host of the B2B Vault: The Biz to Biz Podcast

Dr. Supatra Tovar ANEW Body Insight Podcast

Fitz Koehler Fitness Innovator, Keynote Speaker, Author and Race Announcer
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