Walk in red carpet footsteps at the Kodak Theatre

February 2, 2011

LOS ANGELES, USA – If the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood were a song, it would be “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion: dramatic, over the top, and all about Oscar. The theater, inspired by the grandeur of European opera houses, was built in 2001 expressly for the Academy… (more)

Royally cooling off at the Old Summer Palace

November 29, 2010

BEIJING, CHINA – Summer in Beijing is hot. And by “hot,” I mean “Even the Purple Passport’s fashion-forward correspondents are not ashamed to wear dopey hats with built-in fans if it means getting a scrap of cool air.” (It’s no wonder the Chinese invented the fan!) Don’t get me… (more)

Writing Contest Finalist 5: Moose Number 57

November 6, 2010

Note: This is the last of five posts in our writing contest finalist series. The Purple Passport’s Editorial Team has selected five finalists from the many entries we received. Voting will begin tomorrow and close on November 15th. Stay tuned! – GROS MORNE, CANADA- At Gros Morne, the Parks Canada… (more)

Writing Contest Finalist 3: Broome Vroom

November 4, 2010

Note: This is the third of five posts in our writing contest finalist series. The Purple Passport’s Editorial Team has selected five finalists from the many entries we received. We will post these entries throughout the week and open voting at week’s end after all the entries have been posted.… (more)

Writing Contest Finalist 1: Winter Enchantment- December in Nürnberg

November 1, 2010

Note: This is the first of five posts in our writing contest finalist series. The Purple Passport’s Editorial Team has selected five finalists from the many entries we received. We will post these entries throughout the week and open voting at week’s end after all the entries have been posted.… (more)

Purple Madrid: Part IV (Sights & Shopping)

October 17, 2010

MADRID, SPAIN – This is the fourth in a series where I dish on all my best Madrid secrets! For an overview of Madrid and tips on Madrid hotels and museums, check out the previous posts. Whether you’re people watching at one of bustling plazas, gazing at royal residences, or… (more)

On a Hong Kong high at Victoria Peak

October 15, 2010

HONG KONG, CHINA – If you want to be where it’s at in Hong Kong, you’ve got to get high. Trust me, one step out of the gloriously air-conditioned airport and you’ll know what I mean. This tiny island city is not only perpetually sweltering, it’s also sardines-in-a-can crowded. The… (more)

Channeling Kublai Khan: Escaping Beijing’s summer heat at Baita Si and Café Channel

September 8, 2010

BEIJING, CHINA – Summer in Beijing is scorching. Even with fans, air conditioning, ice cubes in my morning coffee, and–yes, I’ll admit it–frosted pillowcases, I struggle to get any relief from the heat. So, when my air conditioner kicked the bucket one oppressive Friday, I knew I needed to find… (more)

A mansion for the masses at Hollyhock House

August 27, 2010

LOS ANGELES, USA – A quick glance at the real estate listings in the most exclusive pockets of Los Angeles will clue you in to the types of amenities that come standard with your average Tinseltown mansion: in-home movie theaters, grand ballrooms, domed glass spas, and even discoteques. These posh… (more)

Revving up for Runyon Canyon

August 26, 2010

LOS ANGELES, USA – As the saying goes, it never rains in Southern California. Thing is, it does rain here. Not that we have anything to complain about to the likes of constantly drenched Seattle folk or anything, but there’s definitely a period when Los Angelenos must forego their flip-flops… (more)