The image blazed in my mind of my several stays in the Bulgarian capital from the past few weeks comes from several sightings of a wheelchair bound heavily bearded homeless man. I first came across him several weeks ago - he was perched on the sidewalk surrounded by metal garbage containers and piles of trash all around him. The stench was tremendous. His wheelchair contained a large tray and on it was quite a spread of people's half eaten … [Read more...]
Archives for October 2012
Having The Don with The Coach
I've never been a huge football fan, but given the chance to talk to Don Shula, one of football's most beloved coaches, winner of back-to-back Super Bowls with the Miami Dolphins, while at the same time chowing down a world-class burger at a new restaurant bearing his name, you think I'm gonna say no? Bob Griese and the Shulas The occasion was the opening in 2012 of the first Shula Burger at the Postcard Inn in Islamorada (formerly Holiday … [Read more...]
Step back in history in Savannah
Time has stood still in Savannah with its 24 squares and picture perfect parks with homes dating to the 1700's when General James Oglethrope arrived here to build a colony in the name of England’s King George II. Oglethrope and with city planner, William Bull of South Carolina established the squares and reserved them as public parks among the neighborhoods. One of the homes along the squares Monterey Square is home to Congregation … [Read more...]
A day in Skopje, Macedonia
Skopje is a very interesting city - I was here a few weeks ago but this time I actually had a little bit of time to kill and explore the city. 16 years is a long time but that is when I first met my 3rd online friend back in the mid 1990's - using a program called ICQ (precursor to a number of the instant message programs or built in SMS programs all over the internet these days). She is from Bitola Macedonia, now living in Skopje and we … [Read more...]
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Located in beautiful East Tennessee, Gatlinburg is a friendly mountain resort town known for its charming wedding chapels, cozy mountain cabins, family-friendly attractions, local moonshine, fall foliage, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park – the most visited national park in the U.S. With so much to do and see, it’s a top pick for honeymoons and romantic trips, reunions, church retreats, family vacations, girls’ weekends, father-son … [Read more...]
Parrot Learning Digital Audio Pen Reader
Parrot Learning Digital Audio Pen Reader (Reviewed: Oct 2012) Who would have thought a talking pen could help make learning a language easier! Introducing the "Chinese Talking Travel Guidebook" from Parrot Learning. We have taken a number of trips to either Hong Kong or mainland China and in advance of another trip to the mainland - we've been using this guidebook in anticipation of our trip. Chinese, like other Asian languages is a tonal … [Read more...]
Secrets Resort, Wild Orchid – Jamaica – October 2012
This classy adults only resort is located in Montego Bay or as the locals say, "Mo Bay" and opened in early 2010. This is the type of resort that has strong appeal to couples, especially those deeply in love on honeymoons or those wanting romantic getaways. 350 luxury suites, and the all inclusive feel that this resort delivers is a vacation waiting for those who just want to be pampered. Choose from 8 restaurants, a number of bars, great … [Read more...]
Walking the Amazon
Walking the Amazon by Ed Stafford Ed starts walking in April 2008 from the Pacific Ocean in Peru and 860 days later in August of 2010 he emerges on the Brazilian coastline at the mouth of the Amazon River. This is the first hand jungle story of an incredible journey made entirely on foot from the source of the Amazon River to its end in Brazil. He begins with a partner but three months in his partner gives up. Ed continues and enlists the help … [Read more...]
Paradise, Ohrid – Macedonia
I've discovered Paradise - Ohrid on the shores of Lake Ohrid in Macedonia. This is the ideal spot for anyone to spend a few weeks or months or more. But especially for travel writers - where one can easily be inspired to write by the natural beauty of this area. September is a good time to visit - many of the tourists have already left, leaving still warm weather and empty beaches for one to enjoy. Bring a lot of good books, browse the shops … [Read more...]