Story and Photos by Lee Daley

While traveling from Hanoi to Saigon during the month of December, a time of warm and balmy weather, I felt completely immersed in the diverse cultures of Vietnam. On show everywhere, from art galleries to design centers, from colonial architecture to ancient wooden vessels plying the Mekong, from stunning cuisine, both haute and humble, cultural diversity reigned.

True to Vietnam’s multi-cultural influences, our second-story Hanoi rental exuded vintage colonial décor. In the front room, tall windows exposed an eye-catching view of the bustling street below and flooded the space with streams of light. Two…

Story and Photos by Lee Daley

Story and photos by Lee Daley

I’m not sure whether it was “Purple Hills II” or “Lavender Hill with Green” that gave me the Georgia O’Keeffe itch but, when a friend gave me a coffee table book commemorating her New Mexico paintings, I had to set foot on the land that inspired so much of her work. The urge to roam the red rock hills of O’Keeffe’s American Southwest and breathe its sultry air was palpable.

Story and photos by Lee Daley

On the Grand Canal of Venice if you look carefully, you will see — overshadowed by the multi-storied palatial homes along that waterway — a low white stone palazzo that belies the treasures held within. This was the home of Peggy Guggenheim, an American heiress and art collector who is credited with single-handedly saving Modern Art. Peggy Guggenheim is known not only for her art collection but for her outrageously unconventional life as well. Many have called her risqué, a term with which she would most likely agree. …