You can't understand the sense of triumph I felt as I crossed the street unless you've been to Beirut, a city in which I had been in and out over a two year span. My latest stint was nearing its end and I felt reflective and nostalgic and disappointed that the world has decided where you are allowed to live and work based on the coincidence of your birth. I had resolved to take advantage of a hole in the stormy sky and wander the streets of what … [Read more...]
Archives for March 2013
Spotlight on artwork worth pursuing from four selective artists
An extremely wealthy man from one of the nation's prominent family's once simply told me "collect good art". His reasoning was good: art always goes up in value, often quite substantially especially after the artist dies. Find an artist you are simply drawn to who creates beautiful and inspiration pieces. Chances are, others already appreciate their works. If it is an investment, it might as well be an enjoyable one. One of the most … [Read more...]
Myanmar or Burma – What’s in a Name?
The excitement and optimism in the Yangon air these days is palpable. In 2011 the impossible happened. The half century of rule by an oppressive military junta was over and longtime political prisoner Aung San Suu Kyi had been released and duly elected to parliament. It was shortly after her election that I met with Burmese friends in a crowded coffee shop on Bogyoke Aung San Road, not far from Scott Market. We were there to talk … [Read more...]
O’Hare Turns 50: Celebrating One of America’s Busiest Airports
Calling O'Hare an airport is like calling the Queen Elizabeth II a boat. - Andrew H. Malcolm On March 23, 1963, President John F. Kennedy landed at the new airport on Chicago’s northwest side and declared the new facility could be classified as a wonder of the world. While travellers who have passed through O’Hare International Airport may have called the facility many things, few have likely gone as far as to call it a “wonder” — … [Read more...]
National Aquarium, Baltimore new Blacktip Reef Exhibit to Open
Get Face-to-“Toothy” Face with Blacktip Reef Sharks in 260,000-Gallon Coral Reef Ecosystem BALTIMORE (March 25, 2013) – National Aquarium visitors will get up close and personal with blacktip reef sharks, stingrays, a giant green sea turtle and other marine life, as well as the vibrant light, color and activity of an entire coral reef ecosystem when the highly anticipated Blacktip Reef exhibit opens its “jaws” in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor on … [Read more...]
The Hills of Northern Pakistan
In summer the heat slams down onto Pakistan like a sledgehammer. The sun boils with a malevolent intensity as the temperatures rise, and rise, and rise. Houses become ovens and to go for a walk is to be physically assaulted by a heat which is like a cruel, merciless entity. Street dogs flop over, their sides heaving as they suck in the soup-like air. Birds migrate to the hills. Even flies, rendered idiotic and clumsy by the heat, blunder … [Read more...]
Exploring Coimbra Portugal
Today we spent the day driving around Northern Portugal - with the highlight being a stop in Coimbra. This quaint hillside town is situtated above a large river - with the March chill clearly evident as stiff breezes blew us across the bridge into the old town. We raced our little mini Fiat up the narrow cobblestone streets, dodging pedestrians, parked as well as moving cars and soon found ourselves at Portugal's oldest university - the … [Read more...]
Tips for Being in Kuala Lumpur During Ramadan
Malaysia is a predominately Muslim country. During the month of Ramadan (usually in August), devout Muslims fast during the day, say several prayers and then break their fast with a special evening meal. This important time of year is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam and it begins with the crescent moon phase. Fasting is obligatory for Muslims, with the exception of pregnant women, the ill, children or diabetics. From sunrise to … [Read more...]
Fiji Islands, Hot Weather and Warm Hearts
The humid, sugar cane sweetened air hit me with force as I moved from the airplane and into the small airport in Nadi. It made me smile with anticipation. This was my third trip to Fiji and I was determined not to let the almost suffocating weather be an obstacle this time. My previous visits had taught me to forget wearing make-up or styling my hair. Neither would last more than 20 minutes in the wet, high humidity air. In my travel journal I … [Read more...]
An Architectural Adventure in Barcelona
The Barcelona cityscape is fantastically diverse, with striking modern structures sitting alongside traditional and historic Catalan buildings, which means that when you stroll through the city you’re almost taking a tour through time. There are literally dozens of must-see buildings for you to discover on a Find great deal with Jet2holidays Barcelona city break, but if you want to take a tour of some of the very best, here’s one of our favourite … [Read more...]
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