Discovering Burlington...

Seems lots of people have discovered the charms of Burlington, Vermont as we have. Today's article in the Wall Street Journal, Small City, Big Charms, sums up much of my sentiment towards this charming, small city -- big on culture, restaurant scene and local flavor if one can withstand the brutal winter weather.

Rwandan Inspiration

Last week in Washington, D.C. I attended a summit on international development, where Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf introduced the President. Together with the African Children's choir performance which lit up the stage, her presence was one of the highlights. Such women are an inspiration for a continent which has been continuously plagued by mismanagement and government corruption and where majorities in many nations continue to live in poverty despite tremendous natural resources.

Today's story in the Washington Post on the role of women in Rwandan politics, "Women Run the Show in a Recovering Rwanda," was another such inspiration. Given the atrocities these women suffered and unimaginable loss, it's an even more poignant example of the power of the human spirit. Amidst so much bad news out of Somalia, Sudan and other African nations, it's a sign of hope.

St. Louis Weekend

Just back from St. Louis -- not sure if that's a red state or blue state anymore. Had a lovely visit to the Botanical Gardens, which was the highlight of the visit. A special exhibit, Niki, featured color mosaic creatures and women in larger than life poses. The artist, Niki de Saint Phalle (1930–2002), was a citizen of the world: born near Paris, raised in New York, traveled in Europe, and later worked in Switzerland, France, Israel, Italy, and finally California.
She was the only female member of Europe’s New Realist art movement, a contemporary of American Pop Art. Enough about the accolades. My daughter loved them!

What's Not to Love about Vermont?

Honestly, it's such a fair question. We spent a long, relaxing weekend in Burlington and the surrounding area, thoroughly enjoying and living in the moment of the fall colors, brrrr-ish mornings in the 30's and country life that we don't get here in D.C. First, I love the City Market -- the local grocery story/co-op, where pretty much every item is made or grown in Vermont. Milk that comes in old fashioned bottles. Love it. Second, we took our daughter to the Ben and Jerry's factory. Free ice cream after the corny tour. Love it. Third, we hung out with friends in a leisurely way, nothing important to do. Love it. Fourth, we ate great locally grown food. Love it. Finally, we took the ferry from Charlotte over to Essex, New York. Did I say fall foliage galore. Love it.

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.