Glorious Fall Weekend in D.C.

It was another glorious fall weekend in D.C. as you can see from these photos of Eastern Market. Such great sunflowers.

And pumpkins.

And apples.

And tomatos.

Foreign Aid and the latest crisis

The financial news couldn't be any more depressing or uncertain, with the latest today that some banks would be partially nationalized. Having lived in Eastern Europe and seen the perils of nationalism, I'm still struggling with this one.

The sad news for foreign aid is that it is likely to be on the chopping block, despite assurances earlier this year from both candidates that foreign aid would increase under their administrations. I'm currently sitting on an advisory committee to USAID to help improve its efforts to explain American foreign assistance to the domestic public. It's a very misunderstood topic, with majorities of Americans thinking we spend a major percentage of the budget on aid, when it is in fact less than 1/10th of one percent. When faced with spending money at home or sending it abroad, most Americans would rather see it spent here at home, unless they are truly convinced it is making an impact and helping to stabilize fragile states from further unrest and possible extremism directed toward us.

Keep reading Nicholas Kristoff, please -- he truly is a voice of authority on foreign aid. Sometimes I think he's a lone voice in the wilderness. But surely he thinks every day about these mothers and children in Ethiopia (taken on one of my trips) in ways that very few in the world do.

Right in my Backyard

It was a glorious weekend here in D.C. -- just a touch of chill in the air at night after two sunny days. Sometimes you don't have to go very far to experience something new. I ventured to Old Town Alexandria on Sunday morning to do a little shopping and grab breakfast/brunch with my daughter. We happened upon Le Pain Quotidien, a great little place serving crispy baguettes, rich yogurt with berries, frothy lattes and a wonderful French ham sandwich with my favorites -- cornnichons and tiny black olives. We also discovered The Red Barn Mercantile where we picked up a few Halloween decorations before venturing to Appleseed boutique, where I scored a great formal maternity dress for some upcoming black tie occasions!

Faces from my Travels

Thailand.

Senegal.

Egypt.

East Timor. Just thought I'd share some photos tonight of some memorable faces from my travels.

Mexico on my Mind

My latest edition of Travel and Leisure arrived the other day and since it's a rainy weekend on Fire Island, I perused its pages yesterday while a fire raged a few feet away in our fireplace. There is a wonderful article on 25 great beach getaways from Chile to Kenya to Mexico. Since we're thinking of hassle-free travel for our next get away, the Campeche and Mazatlan articles were of particular interest. The latter boasts an Old Town and sounds as if it is now home to some interesting galleries, boutiques and this small boutique hotel, Casa Lucila, which has beachfront rooms and an enticing-looking spa.

Also of note is the article on the restored Four Seasons in Firenze, which is definitely being placed on my Must Visit list. Author Simon Watson says "a fine hotel, a really fine hotel, can give you a rosy opinion of your life and of your role in it." This definitely sounds like the place to wake up with that attitude and a good cup of hearty Italian espresso. 14th century frescos, a chef that heartily subscribes to "terroir" eating, more-than-attentive staff and manicured gardens surrounding this city jewel.

Lovin' This Blog

Everyone now and then I post something that has absolutely nothing to do with travel. This is one such post....I just came across Nonchalant Mom, a wonderful blog about kids, the challenges we face in raising them and natural products. For my fellow mother friends out there, you have to check it out. And yes, there is even a shopping site, with the most adorable kids lines and organic products.

From New York to Miami

If you've ever stayed at the Gansevoort in New York (heart of the Meatpacking District), you know what a trendy, funky place it is to see and be seen. Now apparently, there is a new Gansevoort South, in Miami beach. Just the photos are enough to entice me. This looks like a girls' weekend just waiting to happen.

Alaska's Working Mom

I know this is somewhat outside of the topic of my blog but since Alaska is practically a foreign country, I had to draw your attention to today's article in the Style section of the Post, Who Does She Think She is? by DeNeen L. Brown. It's a pretty thorough discussion of the conflicts and discussions women, including many working moms, are having about Sarah Pallin, the unexpected VP choice of John McCain. It sorts of reminds me of all the discussions I've had over the last few years with friends about how to best strike the work, life balance. For instance, I'm often asked "who is taking care of the kids" when I travel. Funny how my husband is not asked the same thing, a point brought up by another working mom. Anyway, give it a read. It's worth it regardless of whether you are an Obama or McCain supporter.

Cruisin' Back to Fire Island

Back to the beach...and always in search of the perfect beach cruiser. Just saw an amazing Cruiser that Electra makes as well as this lovely photo from the New York Times travel section.

Lazy Sunday Morning

I'm posting this just because...just because it's good to spend a Sunday morning in bed perusing the pages of Domino magazine for the perfect rug. Just because my husband made me breakfast in bed one day in advance of my birthday. Just because it's beautiful breezy day in Washington, D.C., a rarity for the end of August. Just because life is good and this Jonathon Adler designed room is lovely.

La Vie en Rose again...

I'm lusting for another weekend trip to Paris. I happened upon the newest city guide to Paris produced by Gourmet magazine this week. Ah, I can hear the sweet sounds of La Vie on Rose in the background as I stroll along the Siene eating a pain au chocolat. A few years back, I dreamt about buying a Paris flat and biding my time between the two. Now it looks more likely that we'll settle on D.C. and Vermont but these weekend trips give me the cultural and gastronomic fix I need. So, guess it's time to start digging out Euros from my drawers.

Another Great Australia Location

Here's another great Australia destination...looks heavenly and remote and just the type of place to get away from it all. The home page describes it as wild bush luxury and it certainly looks to be the case....and more: "The coastal reef and inshore waters of Ningaloo Reef provide one of Australia’s great marine experiences, while the limestone back-drop of the Cape Range hides deep gorges of spectacular beauty. The coral reef is literally on your doorstep and our guides are passionate and knowledgeable people who love showing you their backyard – over 500 species of fish, 250 coral species and 600 species of mollusc. Ningaloo is known as one of the best places on earth to see and swim with Whale Sharks and Manta Rays. It is also a major breeding area for Hawksbill, Green and Loggerhead Turtles, which are seen daily in front of the camp."

Lizard Island, Australia

One has to do a lot of reading on that long-haul flight from Sydney to LA so I read virtually every piece of paper in sight and happened upon a great find in the Qantas airline magazine. Lizard Island. Never heard of it but went to the website to check it out and discovered a piece of paradise. White sand beaches. Blue waters. Small boutique hotel.

Back from the Land o' Vegemite and More

3 flights, 2 taxis, one airport bus and one water taxi, I arrived back stateside last night after a 32 hour odyssey. Still fresh from the land of vegemite, I'm still smiling over Australian lingo. How ya going...she'll be fine...nackard...skinny flat white (for a low-fat latte)....kip...and many more. What a lovely place...such friendly outgoing people...and an incredible trip all around.

The higlights of the trip are still to follow once I download photos....

The Haka...the scrum...Australia rugby!

It was quite a night. Scoring tickets to the Australia-New Zealand rugby match, mind you. My Australian colleagues invited me to the big match played at the Olympic stadium last night. Just me and 78,944 cheering fans. Adorned in my Wallabies shirt (kindly loaned to me by a fanatic Coffey fan), I settled in for an amazing night. First, the Haka. Performed by the New Zealand team, it is a mixture of cheer, dance and intimidation tactic. Then onto the game....two, 40-minute halves of all out, absolute, unprotected running, kicking and tackling. In the end, the Australians proved victorious and I gained an absolute appreciation for the game and those hulky men of steel.

Photos courteous of foxnewsports.com.au

Ah...Australia!

More than 24 hours, 8,000 plus miles and numerous time zones later, I've arrived in beautiful Sydney. A bit jet lagged, yes, but ready to take on the city and prepare for meetings which start tomorrow. The incoming flight provided breathtaking views of the early morning city, coastline and recognizable Opera House.

Yummy Summer Fruit...Fire Island

Berries are popping up everywhere here and my thoughts turn to sweet, tart, refreshing, fruity summer desserts. Here are a few culinary ideas from Food and Wine and Coastal Living.

Beach House Comforts

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No problems sleeping here on Fire Island...no ac...no stress. Just a cool ocean breeze and the hum of the insects outside. Here are some wonderful looks for a beach house bedroom from Pine Cone Hill.

One Child at a Time

If you didn't read Nicholas Kristof in the New York Times a few days ago, here's your chance. In his column, the Luckiest Girl, he writes about a poor African girl given a chance in life due to -- a goat. On a continent where education is difficult to obtain, particularly for girls from poor families, her family was able to send her to school due to money it earned from the sale of milk. The cow was supplied by Heifer International. This is the kind of story we can all connect to, even those who still don't understand why we send millions of dollars overseas each year to help build schools, vaccinate children and help to secure free and fair elections. It's the sort of "aid works" story that reassures me that my choice of career in international development is exactly the right one. It's the sort of story that I hope will inspire you the next time you are thinking about making a charitable donation or wondering if you can make a difference.

Photo courtesy of Heifer International website.

Panzanella and Peace of Mind

Back on Fire Island....ah. I can let out a long sigh and settle into a new routine. Today, preparing couscous salad...tomorrow panzanella, a traditional Tuscan tomato salad which uses stale, yes I said, stale bread. It will remind me of that delicious sald we had at our villa in Tuscany the night before our wedding.

Take me Away

I'm still lusting after this hotel in Mexico...it's a bit of a secret where it is and the name but if you ask, I might tell.

Tretorn is Back!

Looks like Tretorn is back! Those were coveted shoes in college...

With this advertising campaign, I'm craving a new pair!

A Hot Day in Paris is Bettter Than....

Don't you wish you were a Parisienne after seeing photos like these celebrating the quiet corners of Paris.

Fire Island Countdown

My countdown is on...in just a few short days, we'll be heading up to Fire Island to unwind and let summer truly begin. I'm already dreaming of the sand under my toes, 4 p.m. afternoons on the beach, the outdoor shower, my window bench and the lazy, sleepy feeling we all get after a day of doing nothing....

Missing Tim Russert

Since we departed for Amman, Jordan the day that Tim Russert died tragically, I had not had the opportunity to read the obituaries or see the tributes. Yesterday, I had a chance to see a memorial in which both Tom Brokaw and Maria Shriver spoke eloquently about his love of life, love of family and love of country. It actually moved me to tears. I think everyone felt like they knew Tim Russert and he was certainly the person that I let into my living room on Sunday morning to talk politics civilly and thoughtfully. Back when I was working for Governor Tom Ridge and his name was being tossed around as a running mate for Senator Bob Dole (remember that?), Tim Russert called me to see if he could arrange a time to speak with the Governor. He couldn't have been more friendly or down-to-earth. In all of my years working as Communications Director and press secretary to the Governor and Congressman, this is one of only two calls that I actually remember vividly, perhaps given the larger-than-life status he occupied in my mind. He will certainly be missed.

From Jordan to Nigeria...

Last night I was transported to Nigeria, attending a Society for International Development dinner in Washington, D.C. It honored World Bank Managing Director Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the former Foreign Minister of Nigeria. What I didn't realize is that she is the mother of Uzodinma Iweala, author of Beasts of No Nation. If you haven't read this book yet, put it on your summer reading list. It will move and disgust you and awe you given this young man's ability to speak in this tragic voice about the life of a boy soldier in an unnamed African nation.

Jordan warmth and hospitality

Despite our hilarious Bedouin "experience" which I wrote about yesterday, we had a wonderful week in Jordan. The warmth and hospitality of the Jordanian people is truly wonderful. My daughter, Abigail, was truly the biggest beneficiary....everywhere we went she attracted attention, small gifts and inquiries about her name. By the end of the week, she told me that she wished "they would quit patting her on the head."

One evening we returned to the Hyatt to find a large wedding underway -- we were told it was two famous Jordanian families being joined. Abigail was intrigued by undertaking and so we ventured to the door of the monstrous ballroom, only to be waved in by several of the guests with warm smiles who inquired about where we were from. The bridge and groom came by a few minutes later and were thrilled to see our little blonde girl looking on in awe.

Wadi Rum Disco Tent Camp

Imagine the mystery. A night under the stars in southern Jordan spent with Bedouins who have roved these sands for centuries. A simple tent and a good nights sleep after a delicious locally prepared meal....

Well, that's what we envisioned. But, alas, as I found out last week the tourism industry in Jordan still has some, uh, development to experience....

After a roving ride through the desert which was magnificent when the guides drove away from the other 6 or 7 trucks, we arrived back to our tent camp (think refugee camp without the refugees) to find 4 large tour buses, pulsing Jordanian music and a rambunctious crowd of revelers who were prepared to dance the night away. Now, mind you, that would have been fine some 20 years ago but with a four year old, loud pounding music until midnight was just not my cup of tea...nor was the mass of humanity.

Alas, we settled down in our tent and hunkered down until I could stand it no more. With visions of a lynch mob returning to our tent after my tirade, I nevertheless put aside worries of an international incident and found an English speaking guide who assured me that the music would go off...which it did.

Fresh after five hours of sleep, we snuck out of the camp at 6:00 a.m. enroute to more adventures at Petra. As for my visions of a romantic Bedouin tent camp under a full moon eating lamb and sipping tea, perhaps it's out there somewhere waiting for my visit.

In Jordan

Sorry, dear readers...I know it's been a long hiatus. But I'm in Amman, Jordan now and reinvigorated about travel and feeding my wanderlusting spirit. I'll write and post more in the next few days. Tomorrow, off to Petra and the Dead Sea.

Dominican Art

Just back from a week in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic -- my first voyage there. You can't help but be struck by the variety of art as you walk down the "tourist street" -- some of it junk reproduced in masses by Haitian artist now settled there but here and there a treasure, such as those we stumbled upon at a gallery/cafe which are rich with texture and scenes of Dominican life. Here are a few highlights.