Lee Stanford

How did you get interested in travel?

I was born with the travel bug.

Favorite city or country? why?

New Orleans, it’s the best place to eat! I go every year.

Best or most interesting travel experience

That was back-to-back-to-back cruises through the Baltic –Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Ronne in Denmark, Berlin, Tallin (Estonia), St. Petersburg, Helsinki, Stockholm; Norway and its fjords and around Iceland; and several cities in Scotland, Dublin, Belfast, a few cities in England, Scilly, Guernsey and a return to Amsterdam. Only one non-stop flight to and from Amsterdam. Amazing trip!

Ever met anyone famous?

Many, the most interesting experience was with Truman Capote at the Heritage House in Mendocino. We had drinks by the fire in the lounge, then dinner at the restaurant.

Likes: cruising on luxury small cruise ships (make that LOVES)

Loathes: close-minded people and know-it-alls

Favorite food: anything for breakfast at Dottie’s True Blue in San Francisco; bananas Foster French toast at Elizabeth’s in New Orleans

Favorite restaurant: Albion River Inn (but don’t tell anyone)

Something interesting that people might not guess about you

I am fifth generation Bay area – maybe you could guess from my name. I grew up in and out of Oakland (which is why I dance so good), and I do body and healing work, specializing in Body Symbology – how your biography becomes your biology.

A place that you could visit over and over again and not get bored? why?

Cruising days at sea – the life of luxury where nothing must be done

The most unforgettable view you’ve ever seen

Bora Bora from the air, with the atoll surrounding it and the OMG breathtakingly beautiful water in the Bora Bora lagoon.

A place you’ve never visited but really hope to get to – Lyon, France. It’s the culinary capitol. I only got to visit on a river cruise, and I want to stay for a week to eat.