Travel with Julie

No Frills Airlines - You've Got to Laugh About It!

Apparently, Carol Burnett saw the future of air travel.  Even then she knew it was simply a laughing matter! 

Finding the Perfect Shoe for Travel

Planning a two-week European trip for eight people with very different personalities and travel styles -- not a problem.  Packing for 14 days in a roller bag small enough to fit in the overhead compartment -- piece of cake. Finding the perfect shoe to wear that is both comfortable for miles of walking, and yet still fashionable enough by any European standard -- impossible!

I have scars on my feet from the many horrible blisters I've encountered.  Even shoes designed specifically for trekking around the globe leave my arches aching and heels bloody.  Short of wearing an athletic shoe and advertising myself as "tourist," I have not found the perfect shoe for travel.

I have tried a fashion boot.  They looked good, but I had sore soles. 

I took a stab at a walking shoe.  They left me with aching arches.

I test drove a classic comfort fit.  My feet were rubbed raw.

When I reached the point of adorning wounds to match a war-torn soldiers', I humbled myself to purchase a pair of Dr. Scholl's sandals.  In addition to my embarrassment of wearing these shoes, I found that even the good ol' Doc's had some diabolical side effects.  So here I am again, weeks away from another tour with no promise of owning the perfect shoe for the job.

At least I've learned to say "Band-Aid, please" in Italian -- cerotto, per favore!

South Beach - Latin Style!

Enjoy a good salsa?  And, I don't mean just the kind served up with a bowl of chips!  I found two South Beach restaurants that offer fantastic Latin/Spanish food with a little "salsa" on the side.

Tapas y Tintos 

Try the Plato del Marinero (white beans and tomatoes with clams and mussels in a garlic, wine and olive oil sauce.  Come back later for salsa or tango lessons. Casual, and a really fun atmosphere!  Located on Espanola Way.

Yuca 

Located on Lincoln Road Mall (a pedestrian only road filled with restaurants, clubs, and shops).  The Spanish piquillo peppers and churasco steak are a must at this hot Cuban restaurant.   After dinner, join the fun upstairs for music and Latin dancing.