Bucket List: Seeing the Polar Bears

USTOA Live Like a Local
Seeing the polar bears in person, in their natural habitat, is nothing like I can ever describe. Our adventure with tour operator Tauck, took us up to Churchill, Manitoba–the most remote place that I’ve ever been. However, Polar Bears seem to find it quite easily. Our tundra vehicles kept us warm and not only did we see Polar Bears, we interacted with them. Just watch!

Luxury on the Tundra

USTOA Live Like a Local Series
Yes, it might have been below zero outside, but our tour with Tauck made sure that we were comfortable–even out on the open tundra. Not only were our accommodations at the Lazy Bear Lodge charming & cozy, our days spent out looking for polar bears were just as comfortable on board heated, spacious tundra vehicles. Private charter buses & planes only heightened the ease of getting around and all the extras made this tour a cut above!

Food on the Tundra

USTOA Live Like a Local Series
Churchill, Manitoba is located up near the Arctic and it’s only accessible by plane or train. So you might think in the winter, the food couldn’t be that fresh. Actually, fresh foods are flown up daily to weekly and our tour with Tauck made sure we had the freshest greens and veggies up North.
Also, the local game like elk, bison and venison as well as the arctic char are some of the world’s best. Eat up to keep warm in this gorgeously chilly landscape.

Ritual & Ceremony in Taiwan

 USTOA’s Live Like a Local Series
The Taiwanese culture is based on ritual and ceremony on my tour, I was able to dive right into the local customs—from meeting a local calligrapher to praying at Longshan Temple to participating in a tea ceremony.

Food of Taiwan Guide

USTOA’s Live Like a Local Series
This lush island nation has so much variety in fresh local products, it’s no surprise that the food is outstanding! From street food to gourmet, famous food chains to home cooked meals, we dive into Taiwan’s food culture.

Night Markets of Taiwan Guide

USTOA’s Live Like a Local Series
My first Night Market in Taipei was overwhelming, sensational and addictive. I was enthralled by stall after stall of the exotic foods, wild clothing and the buzzing energy of the streets. Shillin & Ning Xia are MUST-STOPS in Taiwan—see why.

Night Markets of Taiwan Guide

USTOA’s Live Like a Local Series
My first Night Market in Taipei was overwhelming, sensational and addictive. I was enthralled by stall after stall of the exotic foods, wild clothing and the buzzing energy of the streets. Shillin & Ning Xia are MUST-STOPS in Taiwan—see why.

Taiwan Overview

USTOA’s Live Like a Local Series
For such a small island nation, Taiwan has so much to see, do, eat and experience. From Taipei to Hualien, city to the country, hyper-crowded to hyper-local—we explored it all, with the locals as our guide.

A Foodie’s Roadtrip in California

There’s some incredible food in California and I decided to find the top spots along the California Coast. From Malibu to Solvang, I chowed down on the most delicious lunches, scrumptious breakfasts, tastiest dinners and best vineyards. And it was all the most easy because I was in my Jucy Campervan–it had everything including the kitchen sink on board. Let’s go for a ride!

Roadtrip the California Coast: From Malibu to Solvang

Join me on an adventure, Cali style. I drive my Jucy Campervan up the coat, from Malibu to Solvang and miles of pretty shoreline, dramatic mountains and charming towns in between. I spend the night at Flying Flags RV Park and sleep right on top of my camper, and cook my meals out of my trunk! Convenient & Efficient!