Articles by Babbie De Derian

MSC POESIA CRUISE REVIEW - Poetry and Harmony at Sea

After reading several reviews on the Poesia, one of 12 cruise ships in the MSC portfolio (including the new Preziosa), I was looking forward to boarding and living my own review

The Four Seasons Punta Mita, Mexico Review – Paradise for the Young at Heart

Sunsets looking out to sea from The Four Seasons Punta Mita are spectacular. A large crimson sun struggles to prolong its decent into the horizon

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit Resort Review - All Inclusive Five Star Luxury

Needless to say with its elegant décor, outdoor Jacuzzi and private massage table, it is fit for royalty, which is exactly how Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit treats all their guests

Casa Velas Resort Review - A Small Intimate Jewel in Puerto Vallarta

On the charming, warm and intimate veranda of Casa Velas: pet peacocks strut by and families of gold fish swim back and forth in small ponds

Aspira Spa at The Osthoff Resort Review - A Memorable Journey to a Spiritual Sanctuary

Aspira Spa at The Osthoff Resort is a sanctuary. Aspira means “infused with spirit”, and many of the holistic treatments on the spa menu are rooted in the ancient healing wisdom of indigenous people from this region

The Osthoff Resort Review - A Very Special Place of Calm Serenity

The Osthoff Resort embraces many sacred healing traditions

ISTANBUL - A delicious Place to Eat and Spa

TOPAZ RESTAURANT … the jewel of Istanbul is one of my favorite places for lunch or dinner. Its serene and inspiring atmosphere, with a spectacular view of the Bosporus and the Dolmabahce Mosque was created by renowned International designer Koray Ozgen

The Ritz Carlton Istanbul Review - Revisited

A stay at any Ritz Carlton Hotel or Resort is the ultimate in exceptional hospitality and impeccable service; every guest is treated as the hotel’s most important guest. The Ritz Carlton Istanbul lives up to that reputation with rave reviews

The Ritz Carlton Powerscourt Resort Review - Imperial Indulgence You Won't Want To Miss

You may not be to the manor born, but you can check into a 5 star manor that treats its guests like royalty

The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa Review - Pleases My Senses

Conveniently located between Ft. Lauderdale beach and Miami Beach, a destination with two very different ambiances. The beachfront hotel, with almost 1,000 rooms and over 200,000 square feet of meeting space, is an ideal location for conventions and conferences

Travel to Oaxaca - The Heart and Soul of Mexico

OAXACA, a colonial treasure in the south of Mexico, is proud to be considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, and eritage Site in its pre and post Colombian heritage, history and culture date back more than 3,000 years

Louisiana Culinary Trails Review - From The Fields To The Table

Louisiana is working hard to showcase the state as a premier culinary destination by launching and promoting Seven “hungry for adventure” Culinary Trails

“The Hidden Treasures of Ethiopia and the World Famous “Lucy” Fossil... An Exhibition of Monumental Dimension - Not to be Missed

The exhibit, dating back 7 million years, is fascinating and highly informative. Upon entering the exhibition space, a short film highlights Ethiopia’s rich cultural history that has earned the country 8 World Heritage designated Sites

Northern Ireland Review - Where the Songs are Sad and the Wars are Glad

Ireland … How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count the Ways
* The fun, humor and banter of your people
* The Anglo-Irish homes and quaint fishing villages
* Where every stone you turn reveals history
* The crystal clarity of your lakes, and rivers
* Your majestic heather-covered Sperrin Mountains

Finnair Airline Flight Review - Above and Beyond

Business Class service in both directions on FINNAIR was relaxing, low key and totally stress free, thanks to the highly attentive team of in-flight attendants who enjoyed lavishing passengers with excellent service and better- than- I -expected food

Hilton Head, South Carolina a Great Place to Vacation and Live

Hilton Head Island is one of my favorite places on the Eastern Coast

St. Louis Review, All Within Reach - St. Louis Draws Me In

“St Louis is something for everyone, if you’re open to getting out there and doing things; we’re hoping more people take advantage of all the city offers”

Trailing of the Sheep Festival Review - Struttin Their Muttin . . .

Trailing of the Sheep Festival honors the history and culture of sheep ranching in Ketchum & Hailey, Idaho

Dave Koz and Friends Smooth Jazz Cruise Review – The 4th Annual Cruise Sailed on Holland America”s Westerdam

Dave Koz and friends 4th annual Smooth Jazz Cruise sets sail on Holland America”s Westerdam . . . I am onboard to swing and sway

New Orleans Culinary Adventure Review - It is Easy to Fall in Love with New Orleans

It is easy to fall in love with New Orleans: a feast for the palate and the soul

Continental Airlines Inaugural Flight - New York to Mont -Tremblant, Quebec

Terminal C at Newark Airport celebrates the launch of nonstop service to Mont-Tremblant Airport in the province of Quebec

Opia Review - New York Restaurant Shines

OPIA Restaurant, on the second floor of the Renaissance Hotel at 57th Street and Lexington Avenue, is a great neighborhood hangout

New York Hip Hops with Taiwanese Kou Chou Ching Group to Raise Funds For Typhoon Morakot Relief

The Taiwanese hip-hop group Kou Chou Ching held three concerts in New York on their 2009 World Tour. Four of the five young and highly talented members, ranging in age from 20 to 29, performed

A Gospel Christmas In New York City

There’s no place like New York City during the holidays. It’s the most festive time of the year; the world famous Christmas trees at Rockefeller Center is ablaze with thousands of bright colored lights

Dizzy’s for Jazz in New York - New York Is Jazz and Jazz is Dizzy’s, An Evening with Randy Weston and Friends

My friend Kris King, publisher of ejazztravel, calls me a “jazz head” now that I follow jazz beats around the world. Last November, I cruised from Lauderdale to the Caribbean with Dav Koz & friends

An Interview With Todd Barkan - Jazz Aficionado . . . Impresario . . . Record Producer . . . and Programming Director of Dizzy’s Club Coca - Cola

Todd Barkan, jazz historian, raconteur, producer and artistic director, has had a passionate love affair with music for most of his life. He is well suited for his current gig as the Programming Director of Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola,

A Voce Columbus Restaurant Review - Opens In New York City at Time Warner Center

If service is the secret to success, A Voce Columbus, the newest addition to Time Warner Center’s roster of fine dining restaurants, has my endorsement

Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Festive Fall Gala Raises Over $2 Million to Benefit Thousands of Performance, Education And Broadcast Events

Monday, November 16th,, was a very special black-tie evening for the elegantly dressed crowd who rode the elevator to the 5th floor of the Time Warner Center to attend Jazz at Lincoln Center’s festive 2009 Fall Gala at Frederick P. Rose Hall

Russian American Cultural Center 2009 Gala Exhibition: - “Homage to Diaghilev's Endearing Legacy”

The Russian American Cultural Center celebrated their 11th Anniversary, and the success of its exhibition “Homage to Diaghilev’s Enduring Legacy

New York Hip Hop with Taiwanese Kou Chou Ching Group Review - To Raise Funds For Typhoon Morakot Relief

The Taiwanese hip-hop group Kou Chou Ching held three concerts in New York on their 2009 World Tour

Thursday May 23rd: 12:00 AM | Cannes Film Festival; 2:00 PM | Steel Magnolias---The Laguna Playhouse; 8:00 PM | Steel Magnolias---The Laguna Playhouse; 8:00 PM | The Fantastics---South Coast Repertory
Friday May 24th: 12:00 AM | Cannes Film Festival; 12:00 AM | WHICH WAY IS OUT?; 8:00 PM | CRUMBLE (Lay Me Down, Justin Timberlake); 8:00 PM | Steel Magnolias---The Laguna Playhouse; 8:00 PM | STEEL MAGNOLIAS; 8:00 PM | The Fantastics---South Coast Repertory; 8:30 PM | Shakespeare's Richard III at ZJU Theater; 10:30 PM |; 11:00 PM | attack of the rotting corpses! at ZJU Theatre

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