Author Archives: Janette

Summer Road Trip, Stop #2: Springfield, Illinois

Posted on August 31, 2026 by Janette

I arrived in Springfield to visit my 26th state capitol on a gorgeous summer day. Completed in 1888, this is the first state capitol building I’ve visited with a silver dome, made from raw zinc for its durability and corrosion … Continue reading →

Posted in adventures | Tagged America 250, art, history, Illinois, Lincoln, midwest, museum, painting, road trip, Springfield, state capitol, Summer, tourism, Travel, vacation | Leave a comment

Summer Road Trip, Stop #1: Indianapolis, Indiana

Posted on August 23, 2026 by Janette

My quest to visit more state capitols brought me to the Midwest this summer. Indiana, known as “The Crossroads of America,” became my 25th state capitol visit. Completed in 1888, the Indiana State Capitol features a magnificent stained-glass inner dome … Continue reading →

Posted in adventures | Tagged canal walk, history, Indiana, Indianapolis, Memorials, midwest, museum, road trip, State Capitol Building, tourism, USA, vacation | Leave a comment

New York: Visits and Views

Posted on August 17, 2026 by Janette

I’ll never get tired of visiting the city. There are so many things to see, do, and discover. In the past few months, I made two trips and enjoyed several new experiences. Each visit included a stop at the Morgan … Continue reading →

Posted in adventures | Tagged art installation, Ball Drop, crystal, gift shops, library, lunch, Morgan Library, Mozart, museum, musical instruments, New York, NYC, observation deck, Skyline, Summit One Vanderbilt, Tea, Times Square, tourism, Travel | Leave a comment

Dominican Republic, Beyond the Historic Capital

Posted on August 7, 2026 by Janette

Although most of the trip was spent in the historic district visiting old forts and church ruins, I also ventured outside the area to explore more deeply. One stop was the Columbus Lighthouse, a massive cross-shaped monument said to house … Continue reading →

Posted in adventures | Tagged beaches, Caribbean, caves, Christopher Columbus, Dominican Republic, floating, food, history, La Boca Chica, La Caleta Beach, Los Tres Ojos, mofongo, sancocho, swimming, Travel, vacation | Leave a comment

Land of Larimar

Posted on August 1, 2026 by Janette

Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, in the eastern portion of the Greater Antilles. Known for its tropical climate and gorgeous beaches, I traveled here not to spend time … Continue reading →

Posted in adventures | Tagged art market, Caribbean, chocolate, churches, Dominican Republic, Exploring, forts, Independence Park, international, island, jewelry, KAH KOW Experience, Larimar, Mercado Modelo, Parque Colon, ruins, Summer, Travel, tropical, vacation, walking | Leave a comment

Random Remembrances – What No One Tells You About Expat Life

Posted on May 15, 2026 by Janette

Living and working 10,000 miles away from home, literally halfway around the world, is not something most people adjust to overnight, if they ever fully do. Living abroad is vastly different from simply visiting on vacation. Instead of booking flights, … Continue reading →

Posted in adventures | Tagged chocolate and cheese, clothing, expat life, food, Indonesia, language challenges, life, Living Abroad, outdoor bathrooms, shopping, Southeast Asia, Travel, working abroad, writing | Leave a comment

Random Remembrances – Spoiled by the Costs!

Posted on May 1, 2026 by Janette

No matter where you travel, costs are relative to your location. Still, it’s only natural to compare what you would pay for a product or service in your home country to what it costs somewhere new – especially while living … Continue reading →

Posted in adventures | Tagged budget-travel, cheap, cost conversion, costs, Expat, Indonesia, inflation, life, Travel, travel-tips | Leave a comment

Random Remembrances

Posted on March 15, 2026 by Janette

A look back on ten years since returning home It’s hard to think back to the time when I returned home. Ten years seems like such a long time ago. I suppose it’s not surprising that after all this time, … Continue reading →

Posted in adventures | Tagged 10 years ago, Canada, cold, Expat, hot, Indonesia, Jakarta, past, relationships, Remembering, returning, Travel, U.S.A. | Leave a comment

Side Quests in Portugal

Posted on January 25, 2026 by Janette

While anyone would be happy spending time in Lisbon or Porto, as both cities have so much to offer, Portugal shines when you venture beyond the major cities into smaller towns. During my vacation, I planned two side quests to … Continue reading →

Posted in adventures | Tagged Bom Jesus do Monte, Braga, churches, europe, Guimaraes, Initiation Well, Lisbon, medieval, Moorish Castle, Pena Palace, Porto, Portugal, Quintada Regaleria, Sintra, Travel, vacation | Leave a comment

Porto: The Charms of Invicta

Posted on January 16, 2026 by Janette

Traveling north to Porto offered a chance to experience another major city with a distinct character and culture. Known as Invicta, or the “undefeated city,” Porto immediately feelt timeless. It’s historic architecture dominates the landscape, and while ongoing restoration was … Continue reading →

Posted in adventures | Tagged Arabian Room, Bolsa Palace, bookstore, Christmas Markets, churches, Clerigos Tower, Exploring, historic, independent travel, Livraria Lello, Porto, Portugal, Tile murals, Travel, vacation | Leave a comment