The only thing Belfast does in moderation is moderation. Always, it has been Brobdingnagian in spirit. Always, it has lived large. Belfast, reaching for the sky, Photo by Didrik Johnck Once it was the largest linen producer in the world. And had the largest ropeworks. It was the largest manufacturer of fizzy drinks; largest shirt maker; had the largest flax machine works; largest tobacco factory; largest handkerchief factory. … [Read more...]
Archives for June 2012
Hanging out in Los Angeles
It is always a thrill to be able to see how fast one can get around town on the freeways in Los Angeles. I love freeway hopping especially when the traffic is light. The mission of this latest trip to town was to find my great great grandfather's grave in Forest Lawn. In that regard, I failed miserably. Ran out of time to search the hundreds of graves in the section that I had previously pinpointed. Will be back. For those who have never been … [Read more...]
Up in Lisbon
One of the best ways to get to know the charming capital of Portugal is by walking without a fixed direction. So, even if you feel disoriented at first, you will always be gladly surprised with what you might find on your Lisboan way. To understand how to get located in the city, you just need to understand that as other large cities in the world like Rome, Istanbul or San Francisco, Lisbon was built on seven hills that explain its steep … [Read more...]
Berliner Dom – The most beautiful church in Germany
The Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom), is a beautiful stone church built between 1894 and 1905 by order of William II, the last German emperor, as a symbol of the German Protestantism and the emblem of the ancient Prussian empire. The Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom), is a beautiful stone church built between 1894 and 1905 by order of William II, the last German emperor, as a symbol of the German Protestantism and the emblem of the ancient … [Read more...]
Starting Early with the Philly Cheesteak: The Delicious Icon of Philadelphia
"Philly cheesesteak! Philly cheesesteak! You're always telling me that you can't wait until your son is old enough to enjoy a Philly cheesesteak!" Many times my grandson, Laith, would repeat these words to me about initiating his son to the delights of Philadelphia's famous sandwich. This day I thought that I would bring his wish to a happy conclusion. I invited my grandson and his family - his wife Maria and their almost two-year old son … [Read more...]
Exploring the Wonders of Palau
The island nation of Palau is located about 500 miles east of Manilla in the Philippines and about a 2 hour flight from Guam. A number of airlines fly to Palau including United, Delta and China Air. There are numerous flights from Japan. Local car rental companies maintain offices in the small arrivals lounge of the International airport. Unlike some airports where you find only major car rental companies and or more expensive pricing - these … [Read more...]
LAX Free WiFi Coming!
LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO PROVIDE PASSENGERS FREE WI-FI SERVICE BEGINNING AS SOON AS SUMMER 2012 (Los Angeles, California – June 4, 2012) Meeting one of the top demands by passengers for improved customer service at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners today approved a $663,333 two-year concession agreement plus a one-year extension option with Advanced Wireless Group LLC (AWG) to … [Read more...]
The Brandenburg Gate-Berlin
The Brandenburg Gate is one of the most representative buildings in the capital of Germany and is located in the Mitte district. This beautiful construction is so representative for the Berliners as the Arc de Triomphe for the Parisians. It was built from 1788 to 1791 based upon the gateway to the Acropolis in Athens and although the Brandenburg Gate is nowadays the only gate, there were originally 18 gates like this in Berlin. Commissioned by … [Read more...]
LACOT Travel Meetup, Xbar Century City
Live in the Los Angeles area? Going to be in town next week? Are you a travel blogger or a writer? Working in the travel and tourism industry? Stop by our monthly meetup of the Los Angeles Consortium of Online Travel Writers - Tuesday, June 12 at the Xbar in the Hyatt Century Plaza, 6:30 – 9:00PM. This is a great opportunity to network with other area travel bloggers - some who make the trek up from Orange County during the dreaded rush … [Read more...]
Kakum Rainforest, Ghana – June 2012
Kakum Rainforest, Ghana - Kakum National Park is located about 30 kilometers from the town of Cape Coast. Cape Coast has an abundant number of guesthouses. Depending on traffic and the number of potholes allow about 45 minutes to the park entrance. You must have a guide to enter the hiking trails, you are not allowed to walk the trails by yourself, which is a shame. The main attraction is the virgin rainforest and the world's longest canopy … [Read more...]