While in London in March 2013, I visited mainly free museums (donations welcome), and one that stands out in my mind is The Wallace Collection (Hertford House, Manchester Square, London, England, W1U 3BN, U.K.; phone +44 [0] 207 563 9500). 

This fantastic small museum should be one of the top 10 sites to visit in London, but it appears to be a hidden gem. Looking through a guidebook, I noticed that it is filled with a private collection of art, in the same manner as Sir John...

En route to any of a dozen destinations in Africa, chances are you’ll need a layover in Johannesburg. For years I’ve used the deluxe airport hotels for convenience, that is, until I discovered Sunrock Guest House (11 Park St., Kempton Park, Johannesburg, South Africa; phone +27 11 394 3772, fax 088 011 394 3772).

 In May ’13, after a 17-hour nonstop flight, I exited baggage claim at O.R. Tambo International and found the driver from the Sunrock holding a sign with my name. In 10...

While spending two weeks in Shanghai, China, April 18-May 1, 2013, I took seven cooking classes from Cook In Shanghai (269 Zhaojiabang Rd. [near Jiashan Rd.], Bldg. 2, Room 502, Shanghai; phone +86 186 217 82 428, ). Two gutsy young women started Cook In Shanghai in 2011. I highly recommend it to foodies. It was really fabulous! 

I paid a total of $144 for four private classes plus $46 each for three public classes (class size limit, six people); the cost included materials. 

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