To fully discover Havana both old and new, we decided to explore the city in two stages. In the morning, we would explore the new part by auto and in the afternoon roam through the old section by foot. I had visited Havana numerous times before, but I had not truly discovered the city. This time it was to be different. We began our exploration of Havana by car in the Miramar district, with its foreign embassies and plush hotels, in the new … [Read more...]
Archives for May 2008
ALO’s Guide to Finding yourself in Turkey
The cradle of civilization reaches across Asia and Europe welcoming all who enter its majestic beauty. In the hotel high above the Mediterranean Sea, a sunny day with light grey, puffy clouds wrap the sky in silver gauze. Rain seems imminent, but that is not a concern this morning. Shopping is on the top of my list - that is after room service. I like to brag that my idea of roughing it on vacation is either no cable television or no room … [Read more...]
Traditional things to do in Dubai
Is Dubai the new Jerusalem, this millennia’s Babylon, or a middle-eastern Las Vegas? The Emirate city is certainly a new kind of something, that’s for sure. But with the light glinting off the gold cylinders of the Al-Attar tower like it does, it’s hard to think of what exactly. Let’s just say that most of what’s happening here is currently unprecedented, both in terms of scale and – if you consider the devastating combination of sunshine and … [Read more...]
What to Do & See in Sicily, Italy
Separated from the Italian mainland by the Strait of Messina, Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean. Multicultural and cosmopolitan, its history stretches back 3,000 years. Fought over by warring nations for much of its existence, the island has been colonised by Greeks, Romans, Arabs and Normans. These diverse influences, all of which have left distinctly noticeable traces, have shaped the island's character into the truly unique … [Read more...]
Vines of Mendoza – May 2008
Arguably the centerpiece of the Vines of Mendoza is the resort and spa, a community built around 21 villas ranging from 1,000 to 2,700 square feet. Surrounded by vineyards and situated along the shoreline of a small body of water, the views from the villas are always spectacular especially of the snow capped Andes and during sunrise and sunset. Each villa is located within a short walking distance of the lobby, restaurant and gorgeous pool (with … [Read more...]