Local vs. Tourist during COVID-19

Many locations (New York included) are begging for tourists to return. And, the same was true for Jamaica, which is an entire nation dependent on the tourism industry. However, I would also argue that with the supply chain issues, global import/export regulations, and shipping problems that we’re seeing everywhere, tourism is putting a strain on the already fragile communities that are trying to simply survive in these troubled times.

Travel in the COVID-era

Anthony Bourdain has a quote that was incredibly apropos to this trip, “Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.”

purple petaled flower field

Toasting Spring 2021

Should I Come to New York in 2021? YESSSS!!!! I finally get to update this announcement! If you live in the U.S.A., then go get your vaccine and come visit! As of April 1, quarantine and testing will no longer be mandated. Quarantining for a few days is still recommended, but we are reaching the end of the formal testing, paperwork, and quarantines for domestic travelers! Huzzah!

Toasting Optimism on St. Patrick’s Day: Luck, Hope, and Hard Work

We’ll try to harness the “Luck of the Irish” this week. It made me question where this phrase originated. We may think of our St. Patrick’s Day visions of leprechauns, pots of gold at the end of the rainbow, and other superstitions. And, yes, Ireland has a good amount of superstition and folklore. However, when you look at the real history of the Irish, luck doesn’t seem to be on their side. The Great Famine, slave labor, racial slurs, English betrayal and genocide, disease, poverty – I mean – things have been pretty bleak. So, how did it come to be?

Toasting Pizza, Parties, and Poetry in the West Village

The Statue of Liberty, Fifth Avenue, The World Trade Center, The Empire State Building, and The West Village. Is anything more quintessential New York? The West Village (“Greenwich Village”) is a beloved neighborhood in Manhattan that stems from a progressive place to one of historic preservation and prosperity. Why is it so beloved? Why is it preserved? And, does it still resonate?

Toasting the American Museum of Natural History

When we are so divided, it’s good to take a moment to see our history – dating back to the very beginning. We may be separated and divided by a lot, but our similarities and binding agents are far stronger in our roots and in our blood than our differences.

Toasting the Fight Against Winter Blues

It’s a month and half into the new year…And, I’ve heard many of my friends, colleagues, and neighbors complain about how depressing this time of year is. Dreary….Cold….Dark….Nothing to do … Continue reading Toasting the Fight Against Winter Blues

Toasting Traditions: Valentine’s Day

After several years of lackluster, yet exorbitantly expensive, dinners out we decided to see what fun we could have with the money if we stayed in instead. It turns out, the average American man will spend around $250 on gifts for the annual holiday. And, the average city-dwelling American date ends up running around $400-$500 per couple. Wow! Noah and I decided early on that the uncharges for holiday dates just weren’t worth it. That could be airfare to Paris… And, we’d rather use it that way. Fast forward to 2021, and most Americans should be staying home anyway! So, let some “boring” stay-at-home V-Day veterans help you spice up your holiday as a couple (and a bonus near the end for my single friends, too!).

Toasting American Castles

There’s something about wintertime that summons my love of all things historical. Turn on Bridgerton or Downtown Abbey, pull some scones out of the oven, and have a cup of tea. The only thing that would make it better is if I were in a castle or a manor… Do we even have those in this country? Yes! Yes we do! Check it out!