A surge of Faithful Catholic devotees at the Basilica's prayer sanctuary. The Philippine Islands would never be in its present popularity had it not been for the stroke of luck which led to the discovery of Cebu by the great explorer Fernando Magallanes who first sighted Samar, Cebu's neighboring island, on March 16, 1521. Unlike many of its interesting destinations, this central part of the Philippines certainly does an important milestone … [Read more...]
Archives for February 2011
Roxy Maldives Resort (formerly Zitahli)
This morning we jumped in a 19 seater Maldivian Air Taxi seaplane for our 50 minute ride north to the private island where Roxy Resort and Spa is located (only 700 meters long by 250 meters wide island!). There are two commercial seaplane companies in the Maldives and we were on Maldivian Air Taxi. The companies are Canadian and Swedish owned - many of the pilots are from these countries. What a lifestyle! The pilot either barefoot or in … [Read more...]
Pacific Northwest Trips
Pacific Northwest Trips by Lonely Planet is one of 6 books in Lonely Planets new "Trips" Series covering select locations in the United States. These books are ideal for those looking to make a domestic road trip or even for International visitors trying to figure out some of America's top road trips. This particular book highlights 52 unique themed trips ranging from 2 to 7 days; each trip includes family and pet friendly attractions, easy to … [Read more...]
Explore Europe with a Eurail pass
As a worldly traveler, I'm happy to share all the ins and outs of the Eurail Pass- which continues to transport people of all ages throughout Europe. A Eurail Pass can really be considered an all access pass to the entire train network in select countries...and the best part...you get to choose the countries you would like to include. In fact, you have many options: One Country Pass: Your Eurail Pass can be a simple one country pass, for let's … [Read more...]
Enjoying Sea and Sand in Varadero: A Catamaran Seafari
Through the years while visiting Cuba's resort spot Varadero, I have participated in its, many land and sea activities, but I had never taken a catamaran sea tour. However, today, this was to be remedied. I was on my way to join a catamaran safari - one of Varadero's top tourist offerings. Everything in Varadero, a town of some 8,000 inhabitants is geared toward foreign visitors. A spread-out town edged by 22 km (13.5 mi) of sugary- white … [Read more...]
Historic Mount Vernon to Launch New Civil War Walking Tour on April 2
Mount Vernon, VA - Historic Mount Vernon invites visitors to experience a unique side of Civil War history at George Washington's home through a new walking tour, Mount Vernon in the Civil War, beginning April 2. Explore historic locations and listen to dramatic Civil War stories - from the life-risking efforts of the estate's earliest caretakers to battlefield cannon fire rumbling the Mansion! The Mount Vernon in the Civil War one-hour walking … [Read more...]
Heading to the Maldives
We arrived in Male late last night after a several hour stop over in Colombo Sri Lanka. We were in Sri Lanka early last year for several weeks and would have liked to have explored more this time but we satisfied ourselves with using the free Internet consoles. It was wierd to land at country's capital city airport (Male). There were no lights here only the darkened ocean. Reminded me of a totally different reason for no lights - when I dropped … [Read more...]
Winter to Summer overnight
The winter we had has quickly become summer; its become bloody hot - tonight were hunched over hot coals cooking "moo grad tot" (translated to pork and a pan) in this heat coupled with drinking red wine from Bordeax and- the boiling point is quickly reached. Its still 32 C past 9pm and supposed to be warming up more in the next few days. While quietly working in the hammock under the house with my seemingly inexhaustible supply of Spy Wine … [Read more...]
Undiscovered Brunei
Brunei Darussalam (meaning an Abode of Peace) is a country that one often cannot even locate on the world map. When I told friends I was coming to Brunei one said "oh, why don't you also visit India since its so close." Others told me they had to look the country up on Google Maps. A geographical lesson is obviously in order. Brunei is located on the large island of Borneo and is surrounded by the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak. The rest … [Read more...]
Intro to Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is like a bright tapestry, woven from time, and enriched with the colors of history and culture. Some cities grow old and then slowly die. Santa Barbara never grows old, just more elegant and appreciative of its past. Words cannot begin to describe the intimacy and sophisticated flavor of this city, only experience and a stay here, can do that. In 1925 a devastating earthquake left the downtown in ruins. Santa Barbara rebuilt … [Read more...]