Happy New Year!

Dear 2015,
Thank you for the opportunities you presented me, both professionally and personally. While I spent way too much time on airplane for business, you helped me reach a milestone and personal goal of visiting my 6th continent. What a magical adventure! Australia and New Zealand were otherwordly and breathtaking. On the home front, work brought me some great clients, interesting projects, good colleagues, and more travel. It was a great year, filled with health, happiness, and love. I wish you, 2015, good bye. May 2016 be as kind and obliging and bring me more opportunities for travel, continued health and prosperity for me and my loved ones.

My deepest wish is for everyone to have safety, access to healthy food, useful endeavors to occupy the body and mind, and a willingness to accept others. May 2016 shine on all of us with good fortune, tolerance, and wisdom.
peace, love, and travel
the Map Pin Junkie

My 2015 travel recap in a few photos. As a reminder, these images are mine and protected by all applicable copyrights.

Philadelphia - Hometown Holla!

Recently, I was excited to learn that my hometown of Philadelphia was named the first UNESCO World Heritage City in the United States. I've long known about the abundance of history and culture the city has to offer, but I got little pangs of pride when I read the article from Travel and Leisure. If you need to decide on a domestic destination for an upcoming vacation, start with Philadelphia. Food, culture, history, art, sports, and recreation, it really does have it all!

“As a World Heritage City, Philadelphia is being officially recognized on the global stage for its wealth of contributions to the world as the epicenter of American democracy and for its enduring commitment to preserving the unique historical and cultural assets in our diverse community.” - Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter

Read the whole article here: Philadelphia - UNESCO World Heritage City 

(image courtesy of Getty Images, featured on TandL website)

Destination Dash - San Antonio, Texas, U.S.A.

I was in San Antonio for business and spent my free evening sightseeing and since it was just before the 4th of July, I thought it would be appropriate to use the Alamo as the topic for the inaugural Destination Dash feature. 

Name: San Antonio, Texas, U.S.A.
Population: 1.5 million (2013)
Flight Time: from LAX, US 3 hours non-stop; from EWR, US 4 hours non-stop
Get Started:  If you will be coming from the airport while on a layover, grab the VIA number 5 bus at the airport. Consider a day pass as the VIA service is pretty extensive and easy to use.


Here are my top things to do in an evening or more leisurely afternoon.

1. The Alamo Mission - 300 Alamo Plaza. We've all heard the story of the Alamo or so we think but after a visit to the Alamo, you'll know the whole true history. Do yourself a favor, take the audio tour or talk to the well-educated docents. The history of the Alamo is about more than an ill-fated garrison, it spans colonization, religion, military, and civic history. During my visit it was VERY crowded which lessened the enjoyment for me but my chats with the docents helped improve my experience greatly. Be sure to look up to see recently uncovered Spanish Mission frescoes and initials carved by former inhabitants from the 1800s. The grounds are lovely and the exhibits are well-planned so be sure to walk through to the courtyard to see everything. Well worth a visit for history buffs or anyone interested in true stories of courage and grit. Recommended time - 2 hours.

2. The Riverwalk - Downtown. The Riverwalk is what everyone tells you to do when you get to downtown San Antonio, but what they don't tell you is that it is largely a crush of chain restaurants and tons of flip flop shuffling, fanny-pack wearing tourists. If that's your scene, rock on. If that is NOT your scene, keep walking to find the cool shade of the serene pathways beyond the mall of the Riverwalk. Trust me, it gets a lot nicer as you round the bend. A great idea for an afternoon stroll or to kill time on a lazy evening. Would I go again? Probably not, but I'm glad I've been. Recommended time - 1 hour, 2+ with dinner.

3. The Cathedral of San Fernando - 115 Main Plaza. Since 1750 this gorgeous cathedral has been a fixture of San Antonio. Also known as the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria y Guadalupe and is one of the oldest cathedrals in the United States. If religious significance or architecture doesn't draw you, the remains of the fallen from the siege at the Alamo may be more up your alley.  Recommended time - 1 hour.

Peace, love, and travel!

*As a reminder, these photos are solely mine and not to be used without prior written permission. Thanks! 

The Alamo Shrine

A very old live oak in the courtyard, near the long house at the Alamo.

Detail shot of the shrine facade.

Riverwalk with tour barge.

San Antonio looking very young.