On the southwest slope of Mount Parnassus, below the ancient site of Apollo’s temple is the town of Delphi. It is built on terraces and plateaus. The buildings are hundreds of years old giving the town an ancient charm.
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There are many treasured places to see in Delphi and among them is a restaurant called, To Patrikomas Taverna. This beautiful structure has been the home of the same family for five generations, which is why the Taverna is called Patriko mas meaning “our family’s home.”

The entrance is the portal to a lovely experience. The woman in front of me was wearing a long skirt that brushed the basil plants that are perched on the stone stairway. The heavenly aroma jump-started my senses.
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The view is spectacular, reaching out to the Gulf of Corinth. The restaurant is surrounded by the gardens from which the chef picks the food and herbs.

​Even after the New York style pizza is set on the table, the Boiler Room in Logan Square, still feels like Chicago. It’s a popular neighborhood hangout where locals and hipsters converge to enjoy the food, the craft beer and the always flowing, Jameson whiskey.

​The fist mention of the market in Versailles was by Louis XIII when he decided that a market must be built in the city, which is just north of the palace. Steeped in rich and violent history, one might think that the market would disappear, but it’s steadfast roots held tight. The market was rebuilt in 1841 with four L-shaped buildings and a covered area nestled into the square, that is created by the outer walls of the four buildings.
 This popular market sets an authentic French scene. The produce, breads, spices, flowers, cheeses, charcuterie, fish and many foods cooked on site fill the senses with utter joy. 

First Time Cruisers: Tips and Hints
 Congratulations! You decided to take a cruise! A cruise is its very own class of vacation. It’s a culture all its own. It’s imperative to have an open mind and to just enjoy yourself.  Here are some helpful hints, tips and ideas for first time cruisers or for those who haven’t been on a cruise in a very long time.

1. Before you leave home, print out everything you receive from the cruise line, because you will need it all. Print your travel insurance cards. Make copies of any prescriptions you are bringing in case you lose a bottle. Make a photo copy of all your identifications including driver’s license and passport to keep in your stateroom while on land and keep your passport in the safe or in a safe place in the stateroom while you are on the ship. Be sure to call your cell phone provider and check the rates for the area that you’ll be traveling. Make sure you understand the charges for international service (if you need it). Once you leave port on the ship, put your phone in airplane mode. This will keep your smartphone from searching for service that you don’t want to pay for. If you need Internet, you can purchase it on the ship. See the Customer Service counter.