Travel & Travel Tips
Til gear do us part
Text: Julie Schwietert Collazo Photos: Courtesy of Hummingbird and Klean Kanteen ** I chalk it up to him having come to the US from Cuba on a boat that was overcrowded with passengers, none of whom had bags. Now he’s overcompensating for the past. Francisco loves gear. Whether we’re headed out of town for a … Continue reading
24 hours in Zurich
Text & Photos: Julie Schwietert Collazo ** 24 hours is about all many of us could afford in Zurich, which consistently ranks among the top 3 of the world’s most expensive cities. Make the most of it. 3:00 PM: Arrive–finally– at Zurich International Airport after missing a flight from Amsterdam because your train from Centraal … Continue reading
The myth of five-star luxury
Text & Photos: Julie Schwietert Collazo ** “So, what is the average room rate for high season and low season?” I ask the general manager. “Well, your room–doesn’t it have an incredible view?–is $900 a night, and the suite we’re going to see now runs around $1,800.” $1,800. That’s more than the monthly rent for … Continue reading
“Nobody talks to the maid”
Text & Photos: Julie Schwietert Collazo ** The tagline of our blog is “Stories about overlooked people and places.” More than a tagline–much more–Francisco and I spend most of our time living in what poet Stanley Kunitz called “the layers.” We believe that everyone has stories to share and that those stories have meaning, even … Continue reading
Notes on old travel memories
Text & Photos: Julie Schwietert Collazo ** I’ve actually been to Amsterdam and Zurich before. Zurich when I was 16 or so, after winning a travel scholarship. Amsterdam when I was in college, after spotting a major fare sale and talking my roommate, Drew, into a long weekend in Europe. After receiving an invitation from … Continue reading