Places to Visit

The Charm of Ybor city on the red brick street with the Columbia Restaurant sign and a yellow streetcar on the track
United States
| Marie Goff

Discover the Charm of Ybor City: Cigar Culture and History

“Viva Ybor; Have a Tampa.” was the large colorful sign on the red brick building. The sign was our first clue to Tampa’s cigar heritage and to the charm of...

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Traveling with Friends
Abroad
| Marie Goff

Exploring Spain, Portugal, and Morocco: Tips for First-Time Travelers

In a few days, Eddie and I will set off for a fifteen-day guided tour exploring Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Since it’s our first time visiting these countries, we’re excited...

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A manatee is looking directly into the mask of a swimmer; a rare encounter as we swim with manatees.
Alternative Travel
| Marie Goff

One Place in the World to Legally Swim with Manatees – Amazing Encounters in Crystal River, Florida

The manatee calf was watchful of her mother. As the mother ascended to the surface from the bottom of the spring fed bay to get air, her calf came alongside...

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Abroad
| Marie Goff

A Journey Through Belfast: From Troubles to Triumph

My husband Eddie and I joined his cousin, singer/songwriter and seasoned Ireland travel group leader Carroll Brown for our first visit to Ireland. I got the chance to add my...

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Coloful homes in Bo-Kaap Cape Town, South Africa
Abroad
| Marie Goff

The Colorful Heritage of Bo-Kaap: History and Flavors

We gazed up the steep cobblestone street to the magnificent terraced houses; the colorful heritage of Bo-Kaap. Radiant colors: cerulean blue, magenta, lemon yellow, lime green, aqua, peach, and lavender...

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Writer Marie Goff at the All About Cooking school in Denmark for a Taste of Hygge
Abroad
| Marie Goff

‘Taste’ of Hygge – Nordic Cooking with MasterChef Karsten Kroman

Twenty-nine women in Leadership Women International 2016 get a ‘taste of hygge’ in Copenhagen, Denmark. What is hygge, pronounced HEW-g? It is a Norwegian term associated with well-being, a feeling...

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Inside the Georgia Sea Turtle Center for sea turtle rehab. A leatherback sea turtle is on the triage table, and technicians are working on the turtle
Life Moments
| Marie Goff

Insights on Sea Turtle Rehab at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center

The patient looked very sick; she needed sea turtle rehab quickly. Typically, the technicians would be cautious of the turtles’ powerful jaws and flippers, but his one was not moving. Her...

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Eddie and marie Goff are rowing next to a glacier in Alaska
Alaska
| Marie Goff

Rowing Close to Mendenhall Glacier: A Thrilling Experience

Rowing close to a glacier is tricky. The guide sat on one end of the rowboat, rowing massive oars. He soon got us as close as possible to the terminus...

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The Legacy of Thandi grazing beside our truck in Kariega Game Reserve Easter Cape South Africa
Abroad
| Marie Goff

The Legacy of Thandi: Hope for Endangered Rhinos

The legacy of Thandi is one of uncommon resilience, and we were fortunate to see her. There was just enough light in the grey dusk to see a large shadow...

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Mexico
Abroad
| Marie Goff

Mexico City to Querétaro – Two Different Experiences

Every year, millions of adventurous Americans travel to Mexico to experience its vibrant culture and diverse landscapes. I visited inland Mexico with Leadership Women International – Mexico, along with a...

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