Come to Massachusetts to get a new perspective on American history, to explore unusual art venues, to experience one of the country’s most dynamic cities, to indulge in delectable and varied dining, to marvel at sparkling seascapes and hike through…
Highlights from Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – We only spent a few days in Pittsburgh, but I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised by this unheralded city. There are vibrant, bustling neighborhoods, a hip and happening university district, excellent restaurants, and an authentic…
Basquiat at the MFA
Boston, Mass – The twins will have a total of 30-something days of in-school school this year. And they are going to spend three of those days taking standardized tests. Really? (Those of us who have been overhearing 5th-grade homeschooling…
Return to the Ringling
Sarasota, Florida – It has been several years since we visited the local circus museum, so this year we decided to return to the Ringling. The last time I wrote about this fantastic outing, the twins were four years old.…
The Twins do DC
Washington DC – In another life, I used to live in Washington DC. In fact, this is where Daddio and I met, way back when (but that’s a story for another time). This year, we took the twins for their…
Gallerie dell’Accademia
Venice, Italy – Now I know what teachers feel like in the last week before summer vacation. We’ve reached the point where I’m ready to take field trips pretty much everyday. Honestly, nothing else is going to get accomplished here.…
Palazzo Ducale
Venice, Italy – Now that it’s December, the tourists are gone (except for us!), the Venetians are friendlier and it’s safe to go to Piazza San Marco. We took our visitors to the Palazzo Ducale–the Doge’s Palace–for a primer on…
Venice Naval History Museum
Venice, Italy – The Museo Storico Navale–aka the Naval History Museum–is approximately two minutes away from our apartment. And there is a giant anchor out front marking the entrance. We walk by it nearly everyday. I can’t believe it took…
Murano
Venice, Italy – The glassmakers’ workshop in Murano was obviously a hit with the twins, because: fire. (Twin S now asking for a blowtorch for Christmas.) But there’s more fun to be had on the island of Murano. We didn’t…
Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Venice, Italy – If I were independently wealthy, I would buy a palazzo on the Grand Canal and use it to house my fabulous collection of modern art and to entertain my artist friends. There is so much to love…