Experimenting the HDR (High Dynamic Range) photo technique, I went on a trip to the famous Joshua Tree National Park and among the thousands and thousands of Joshua Trees out there, I saw this one. It really caught my eye because it stood alone in an open space and the two rocky hills in the background created a type of frame letting him shine even more.

Singapore Airlines was recently awarded best “International Premium Class” and best “International Economy Class” by Zagat. Have you taken a look at their interior cabin on the new A380?

Forget First Class, we’re ready to fly Suite Class! Privacy, comfort, world-class cuisine, a selection of the “finest wines to ever grace a cellar” (“Dom Perignon or Krüg- The Choice is Yours!”), and unbeatable service…we’re in, sign us up!

One of the most beautiful and colorful sites in all of Thailand is the floating market in Damnoen Saduak. It is a very charming place packed with lots of fresh produce and many smiles.

One of the most beautiful metropolitan cities in the USA is Boston. And to prove great minds really do think alike, according to BostonUSA.com, 18 million people visited Boston & Cambridge in 2008!

Boston & Cambridge offer all types of great entertainment related to the arts, sports, science, history, and more.

So where is a fun place to stay that offers easy reach to both areas, a real taste of New England, and perhaps even a little bit of history?

The Kendall Hotel offers that plus more. You can go ahead and search for large hotel chains, but nothing will ever replace the charm and warmth of a local boutique hotel. And when you are in Boston you have to make the Kendall Hotel your home.

The history of the Kendall Hotel is quite unique; its building was originally built in 1895 as a Victorian Firehouse known as Engine 7. The Queen Anne-style structure was designed to accommodate stables, coal bunkers, and dormitories for the firemen.

Engine 7 operated for almost 100 years until it was closed in 1993.

The building was then purchased by a local couple who, in 2000, began renovations to convert the firehouse into the Kendall Hotel. They did such a great job in maintaining its historic architecture and ambiance that the Kendall Hotel is the only one in Cambridge selected to be a member of Historic Hotels of America.

Located near MIT, the Kendall Hotel offers 73 guest rooms and 4 luxury suites. It is interesting to mention that although all the rooms have a classic American décor, each guest room is unique in design, spacious, and comfortable.

The hotel’s restaurant, The Black Sheep, offers a complete breakfast buffet free for guests. The restaurant is also open for lunch and dinner offering chef selections that use top-quality organic and locally grown produce.

Regarding our favorite grape juice, they have a great wine selection that includes wines from the best vineyards in the country.

And when it comes to moving around town, the Kendall Hotel is located just a few steps away from the Kendall Subway Station (red line).

Due to its charm, convenience, and comfort, the Kendall Hotel definitely earns the Tried & True Travel + Wine seal of approval.

Enjoying the flavors of Italy doesn’t always require travel.

This Italian Mushroom Bruschetta is delectable, divine, and oh-so-easy to make at home.

While you should always enjoy food with your wine of choice, we suggest pairing this pizza-like dish with any medium-bodied red wine. Perhaps Chianti?

Easy Recipe:

• Slice of delicious artisan bread
• Tomato sauce
• Cheese
• Mushrooms (Italians love Porcini)

Saute the mushrooms in olive oil and garlic. Toast the bread. Add the toppings on the bread and place in the oven on broil, watching carefully, until the Mushroom Bruschetta is cooked to perfection.

(Because oven temperatures, cooking styles, and tastes vary—exact cooking times, measurements, and temperatures are not provided. Common sense, however, is required.)

(Photo: Travel Plus Wine. Mushroom Bruschetta at a restaurant in Greve en Chianti, Italy)