World-famous for adventure travel and cultural voyeurism, Nepal is also a fabulous shopping destination. 

It's a cold, damp, rainy day. You're chilled to the bone, and nothing seems to warm you up - not coffee or tea, or cocoa or toasty wool socks. C'est la vie, you think - and then remember that you've got a bit of magic in your closet, and pull out the new Gesar travel blanket/meditation shawl from Sunrise Pashmina. 

It's hygge at its finest.

Remember when Christmas felt magical? Stratford, Ontario still does it that way, and here is what a December weekend there actually looks like.

A whole town that does Christmas properly: the shops, the Victorian trail, and what the Stratford Christmas Trail is actually like when you are standing in it.

The weather gods sent us a flawless day to wander San Francisco. Bob and I targeted the historic Ferry Building to enjoy the sun and warm, and indulge a bit of browsing.  It’s a destination easily combined with a trip to Alcatraz, Sausalito, or Fisherman’s Wharf.

The best part of travel photography, for me, is capturing images of culture. There is nothing I love more than being completely immersed in a place with culture so vibrant and new to me. While living in Morocco for three months, I have been photographing the life and culture of the medinas. 

I’ll never forget my first visit to a night market in Taiwan. It was a total affront on all senses. Too many people jostling for space; too many unrecognizable odors drifting through the air; too many animal organs skewered and on display for growling bellies.

When we’re traveling, we often purchase holiday gifts – art, textiles, and creative things we find in markets. But when we’re home, it’s a bit more difficult to come through each year with fantastic gifts that our loved ones will appreciate – and use.

In Asia, grocery stores are hard to find and always overpriced. For this reason, locals rarely frequent them and instead run to open air markets. 

Open air markets are vibrant, fabulous places full of aromatic food, colorful clothing, fruits and vegetables, and anything else you can think of. The goods are cheap, and these markets can be found in every city across Thailand. 

You know how much I love Stratford, Ontario - we've explored their Pumpkin Trail, Bacon and Ale Trail, and Chocolate Trail. Now, there's a fun Victorian Christmas trail to discover!