Part one of "Pierogi and Palaces: A Father-Son Adventure in Poland" featured in inTravel Magazine!

My son, Alex, and I embarked on an unforgettable journey across five Polish cities. Our adventure began and ended in the capital city of Warsaw, a place rich in history and culture.

Upon our arrival, we were greeted by the bustling city center, home to the tallest building in Poland, Stalin’s Palace of Culture and Science, and the famously out-of-place palm tree, an art installation by Joanna Rajkowska. We traveled down the Royal Route, once tread by kings during their coronation and funeral marches, now lined with cafes, shops, museums, and the Warsaw University.

Our journey led us to the heart of Warsaw, the Old Town. The Old Market Square, a vibrant hub filled with street cafes, artists, and people from all walks of life, was a sight to behold. The square, lined with beautifully colored buildings, was a feast for the eyes. The ground floors bustled with stores, restaurants, and vendors, offering everything from ice cream to freshly baked bread.

At the center of the square stood Warsaw’s protector: the mermaid, a symbol present on Warsaw’s coat of arms since the 1300s. As Alex and I admired the statue, we realized that our adventure in Poland was more than just a vacation. It was a journey through history, culture, and the vibrant life of a city that welcomed us with open arms.

Learn more by reading Part One of my in-depth travel story, "Pierogi and Palaces: A Father-Son Adventure in Poland," in a recent issue of inTravel Magazine!

https://www.intravelmag.com/intravel/in-depth/pierogi-and-palaces-a-father-son-adventure-in-poland

My Lisbon story in the print version of Washington Family Magazine

Whether you're flying from Washington DC or anywhere else in the country, check out my travel story on authentic, affordable, and family friendly Lisbon in the print version of Washington Family Magazine (on pages 14, 15, 16).

From the Alfama to Belem; food to fado, this story has something for everyone in the family!

http://digital.washingtonfamily.com/issues/June-2023/index.html

Fostering a Love of Literature

 

A subject that often comes up when I'm talking with other book lovers is the sad fact that, although there are more writers and more books being published these days, there are fewer readers who read for pleasure.

I once attended a lecture put together by the National Endowment for the Arts all about reading in decline in America.

These days, books don't just compete with one another – they  must compete with streaming content, television, movies, video games, the Internet, social media, smartphones, and every other form of entertainment available.  With today's short attention spans and "quick scan" reading habits, fewer and fewer people take the time to  settle down with a good book.

That's why it's important to share the love of literature with your children.

When my children were younger, I tried to read to them every night.  With my younger  son, we focused on basic classics: Dr. Seuss, Eric Carl, Shel Silverstein, and a bit of Bob the Builder.  I did most of the actual reading.

With my older daughter, we took turns reading.  One night, she'd read to me.  The next, I'd read to her.  We usually had two books going at a time.  Books like Mark Twain's A Connecticut Yankee in King Aurthur's Court and The Little Prince by Antoine De Saint-Exupery.

Would they rather be playing with her friends, scrolling social media, or watching a Disney or superhero movie? Sometimes. But there's no denying they enjoyed reading and to be read to.  It was a before-bedtime ritual I hope they’ll always remember.

Do you read to your kids?  It's a great way to spend quality time together.  It's also a wonderful way to foster a love for literature.