Rolf has built up an impressive resume during his travel writing career. He is the author of two critically acclaimed books and numerous travel related essays. Late last year he set out on a "No Baggage Challenge" Round the World Trip in which the only items he carried were what fit in his pockets. Recently we had a chance to ask Rolf about both his career, travel writing and recent projects. Q. For those interested in pursuing travel … [Read more...]
Archives for September 2011
The High Life, McLeod Ganj
We are now at about 8000 feet up in the Himalayas near Mcleod Ganj just outside of town at a guest house; we will stay here 2 nights and then move further up into the Himalayas. Very very humbling to be back in the shadow of the WORLD'S GREATEST mountains, no apologies given to the Andes in this regards, as the Himalayas are in THEIR OWN CLASS and everyone should see them at least once in their life. These 5 and 6 thousand meter mountains tower … [Read more...]
Sticker Shock!
Norway has got to be one of the most expensive countries in the world...oh and along with Iceland perhaps and maybe Switzerland. Here are a few examples of prices we paid: Small Bowl of Pho (soup) at a hole in the wall Vietnamese restaurant: nearly $20 US dollars! Two chicken drumsticks, a small cup of rice/veggies and a fruit drink (non alcoholic): nearly $30 dollars! Aside from the high prices there is plenty to do in Oslo under the … [Read more...]
Johan Ernst Nilson: International Explorer
Johan is in the middle of a global expedition in which he is journeying from the North Pole through North and South America and ultimately reaching the South Pole. Pole2Pole is a 12 month journey. Along with the unique adventure aspect of the journey (never been done), Johan is also raising awareness for the environment and working with additional charities. Recently we had a chance to ask Johan about both his current and prior … [Read more...]
Peter Mondavi Sr: Longtime Napa Winemaker, Industry leader
We recently had the honor and rare privilege to sit down with Peter Mondavi Sr., long time proprietor of Napa's oldest winery, Charles Krug. Mr. Mondavi is 98 years young. We talked about history of course because when you've been in Napa as long as Peter Mondavi Sr. you have plenty to discuss. But we also covered the types of wines being produced today and how they differ from the wines he started out producing in the 1940's, not to mention his … [Read more...]
Paris by boat in September
September is a month of transition. Summer and vacation are ending. People go back to school and back to work. The slow rhythm of the summer accelerates a bit again and cities are coming back to life. Despite the return of this routine September is an excellent month to travel. The peak holiday season is over and you avoid big tourist crowds. Of course, a city like Paris doesn't really have downtime with fewer visitors, but the temperatures … [Read more...]
Finnair and Helsinki Airport Team up to Search for Quality Hunters
Seven Quality Hunters, Seven Weeks, Seven Categories New York, NY, September 13, 2011 - Finnair and Helsinki Airport have commenced a search for seven Quality Hunters, to be given the task of travelling between Europe, Asia and the United States. The aim, with the help of these experts drawn from the public, will be to make Helsinki's award-winning airport and flight connections even smoother and more convenient. Last year, Finnair hired four … [Read more...]
Los Angeles Consortium of Online Travel, September Meetup
Wanted to squeeze this post in between our continuing Europe trip posts. The Los Angeles Consortium of Online Travel (for travel writers and bloggers and those who love to travel) is an excellent monthly networking event held in the Los Angeles area for those in the online travel industry in the LA area. In addition, a local charity is always featured at each meetup (this month its Project Angel Food and a representative gives a short … [Read more...]
Flam Norway
We find ourselves under the grey skies at the marina in flam Norway overlooking the beautiful fjord. Another blog iPhone update! We are slowly making our way to western Norway fighting the cold rain and grey skies for the past week. Today we became uber excited upon seeing the sun for the first time in Norway. This was as the train cruised past the impressive glaciers on top of Europe's highest plateau. The last hour of today's train ride … [Read more...]
Villa d’Este in Tivoli
The first time I visited Rome a couple of years I stayed for over a week in one of the Rome apartments which was plenty of time to see the most important in the city, but also a couple of other monuments and sights that are outside of the city. My favorite sights in Rome by far were the Trevi Fountain, the Coliseum and the Sistine Chapel inside of the Vatican. We also did a few daytrips to take full advantage of the surroundings. My … [Read more...]