Touching the Void by Joe Simpson In our opinion, this is probably the most amazing mountaineering survival story of all time. Two climbers set out to climb a 6,000+ meter peak in the Cordillera Huayash range in the heart of the Peruvian Andes. An accident befalls one of the climbers and his partner makes a life or death choice. We've climbed a number of times in this part of the Andes - these are some of the most spectacular mountains in the … [Read more...]
Archives for October 2010
Kite Runner
Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini This is a gripping read starting with a boy's (Amir) childhood life in Afghanistan before war tore apart this country. This is fiction but it reads like real life and is interwoven with real life events and places. Eventually the principal character Amir moves to the USA with his father (baba, meaning father). Where else can you find Afghan culture, love and the Berryessa Flea Market in San Jose, California … [Read more...]
TIME Style & Design “Jetsetters”
Time.com has interviewed 12 fairly well known jet setters and asked their opinions and tips for jet lag, places they will not revisit again, travel companions, favorite cities, packing tips, airport suggestions and much more. Each "jet setter" also lists some of their favorite travel items. Superstar tennis pro Maria Sharapova says her favorite carry on item is her phone charger, because "...if my bags get lost, I would be more upset about … [Read more...]
Moon Nicaragua
Moon Nicaragua by Joshua Berman and Randall Wood This in depth guide book is an excellent resource for travelers to Nicaragua, central America's largest and least populated country. Travel in Nicaragua is generally for Independent travelers - and getting off the tourist beaten path is extremely easy (we know, we've been here before)! Nicaragua is certainly not neighboring Costa Rica in terms of tourist development - but there is just as much … [Read more...]
Booklight
Booklight in a CoverTM (Reviewed: Oct 2010) is a handy little device that provides light for reading (Three AA batteries required). It is cordless, clipless and clutter free. Often we find ourselves traveling in situations both during the day and at night with very little ambient light. This is the answer to reading under low light conditions! Merely slip a small book into the cover pockets, pull up the LED light from the cover spine. This light … [Read more...]
Yak Pak
Yak Pak (Reviewed: Oct 2010) sells a variety of laptop and netbook sleeves in various colors, sizes and styles. This company was actually conceived "on the road" by founder Stephen Holt while he was in a remote part of Tibet in the late 1980's. Different themed sleeves are available. The sleeves are available in both foam and neoprene (same material as used in wetsuits) versions with easy 3/4 sleeve zipper access. This is an excellent light … [Read more...]
Empire State Building – October 2010
The Empire State Building is definitely one of New York's most visited attractions. It was completed in 1931 and was the world's tallest building for many years. It still towers above the New York City skyline and from either of its two observation decks you will have stellar views in all 360 degrees. It is now New York's 3rd highest building, behind the Freedom Tower and 432 Park Avenue. You might see several ticket vendors outside the … [Read more...]