Author Archives: Merle

Classic Italian Eating in NE Minneapolis

Another in a series of small business profiles for Mill City Times; this time about eating genuine Italian in our northern city.   http://millcitytimes.com/news/classic-italian-eating-at-genos-northeast.html

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Imported French Fashion in the Minneapolis North Loop

The latest from my Mill City Times writings: Imported French Fashion in the Minneapolis North Loop: http://millcitytimes.com/news/cest-chic-boutique-imports-clothes-and-accessories-from-fran.html Read about French fashion imports; good photos too!

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House of Talents Showcases African Artisans

For the last several weeks, it has been my pleasure to write small business profiles that appear in Mill City Times, an online newspaper in Minneapolis in downtown neighborhoods on both sides of the Mississippi River. Here is the latest piece on Kate Herzog and her special shop, House of Talents: Article by Merle Minda […]

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The Foundry Home Goods in Minneapolis North Loop!

Just a quick note: I have begun a series of small business profiles located in and around the Mississippi River and in the Minneapolis North Loop near the river. Here is a link to the first one; let me know what you think. http://millcitytimes.com/news/the-foundry-home-goods-unique-delightful-home-products.html  

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Morocco Calls.

Once there, you can never forget. Our trip to Morocco, staying with the Ambassador and his wife in Rabat at the time, then traveling around the country by car remains so very fresh in my mind. Leaving Rabat, we drove north to Tangier, stopping at little restaurants recommended by the Ambassador. Then spent one night […]

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Romantic Places — Beyond Valentine’s Day

Romance is nice year ’round, not just for Valentine’s Day. As a long-time married partner, I urge you to take time to put romantic moments, places and vacations in your life. And they don’t have to be the most expensive spots in town — it’s all about ambience, atmosphere and the right partner! Some of […]

Posted in Independent Travel, Travel, Travel i France, Travel in Europe, Travel in France, Travel in Italy, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Responses

I Discovered Meryl Streep!

At least, I thought I did. Here’s the story. Time was when I would take a theater trip to New York City several times each year. I would plan my arrival for Wednesday in time for a Wednesday matinee. I would then see plays (both Broadway and off-Broadway,) Wednesday evening, Thursday evening, Friday evening, a […]

Posted in Academy Awards, Berthold Brecht, Broadway, Devil Wears Prada, Julie & Julia, Kramer Versus Kramer, Kurt Weill, Meryl Streep, Movies, New York Theater, Oscar nominations, Oscars, Uncategorized, Visiting New York | 1 Response

Rental Car Blues

The Rental Car That Wasn’t There – Twice!! My favorite travel columnist/trouble-shooter, Christopher Elliott, www.elliott.org, says that “people assume that a reservation number means you have a reservation – and that is not necessarily true!” I learned this the hard way a few months ago – twice – once in deep France and again unexpectedly, […]

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Iconic Holiday Excursions Around the World

A Personal Concierge Makes it All The More Joyful Holiday in St. Barts Guest blog courtesy of Time & Place, vacation rental providers. http://www.timeandplace.com I count on my concierges to create a holiday experience beyond the guest’s imagination. Broomfield, Colorado (PRWEB) November 07, 2013 In time for the holidays, Time & Place announces it is booking […]

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Do’s and Don’ts of Travel Insurance!

            If we needed a reminder, this is it. 89-year old Dodge Melkonian and his wife Jill, 65, of Clearwater, FL, were cruising along the coast of southern Turkey with Azamara Cruises when Dodge fell at night in his cabin and broke his hip.  Considering their age and the adventurous nature of the cruise, the […]

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