So, once again we combed the planet, turned over the stones, took the pulses, danced the boards, and basked in the wonders. Over the years we’ve plumbed over 180 countries, but we do not choose a “best” because “it is a great place,” and certainly not because it has fantastic hotels or restaurants. We choose a place because it inspires us. The destinations in this year’s list were chosen because they swept us away. Yes, there are the … [Read more...]
Archives for December 2013
Always Crazy Flying During the Holidays
Flying around the holidays is always crazy. Today was especially so! Was at the gate getting ready to board when a young gentleman runs up and announces to the agent that he does not have his passport. Fortunately he had some paper with some special government stamps and a Hong Kong ID so they let him board. While waiting in another line earlier I met a couple who said they had just lifted off, mere feet off of the runway when a light went on … [Read more...]
New Year’s Eve in Thailand Celebrated with World’s Highest Ball Drop
Caption: The Bangkok Ball is lit up on the roof of Tower Club at lebua during a test run for the New Year’s Eve event. WHAT: Marking the beginning of a new New Year’s Eve tradition, Thailand will ring in 2014 with the first ever Bangkok Ball Drop at lebua. At precisely 10 seconds before midnight, the countdown to the New Year will start, and the ball will begin its 15-meter descent. When the ball reaches the bottom of its pole, an LED sign … [Read more...]
Eating my Way Around Berlin
Spend just one day in Berlin, and there’s no denying it’s cutting-edge city. It pulses with non-stop energy day and night, the air infused with creativity, culture and promise. There are many ways for travelers to gain some insight into this complex and ever-expanding metropolis. On my recent whirlwind visit, I got a feel for the city by exploring its cuisine. As a frequent traveler and devoted foodie, my key to a new destination is usually … [Read more...]
Unusual, Odd, Uncomfortable or Unique Stays
Recently I spent a miserable night on the island of Trinidad in a hot vehicle parked in the rainforest with the windows cracked to get some air while fighting a random assortment of biting flying bugs. This caused me to think about other interesting nights I have spent including one night next to a partially rotting deer (don't ask) and a frigid night in Spain grossly under dressed for the weather in March sleeping in a dirt field covered in … [Read more...]
Where to Sleep Tonight – Trinidad
After sleeping in the car the past few nights - I was ready for a change. Night one I hid the car behind a large pile of dirt next to a small road in the middle of the rainforest. Night two, a frightful sleep was interrupted by dark shadows at my driver side window by two guys carrying scary looking weapons. Apparently my choice for my spot of rest was too close to a military base. They were nice and motioned me to move on. Night three I didn't … [Read more...]
LAX Beach, First Children’s Play Area Opens to Public
New children’s play area by Westfield showcases local scenery, innovative design (Los Angeles, California) Just in time for the busy holiday travel season, a children’s play area named “LAX Beach” has opened in the New Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). LAX Beach celebrated its opening by hosting a “birthday party” for the space, featuring nearly 50 kindergarten children from nearby Playa … [Read more...]
Bradenton Area: Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing
Oh, the places they stole. Four times this year I’ve been to the canals of Venice, without ever setting foot in Italy. In Vegas, Macau, Qatar and where I live, Venice, California, there are facsimiles of the famous waterways, only cleaner, shinier, and without the creases of deep history. Theme parks, made-made-islands, cruise ships, old quarter facades, entire cities fashioned to appear as someplace else. It’s hard, these days, to … [Read more...]
British Polar Explorers Planning to Reach South Pole Between Christmas and New Year
British polar explorers Ben Saunders and Tarka L’Herpiniere are hoping for a unique belated Christmas present this year – to reach their half-way mark at the South Pole (900 miles or 1,450km into their 1800 mile or 2,900km journey) between Christmas and New Year. The duo set out from Scott’s historic Terra Nova Hut in Antarctica on 25 October 2013 on a world-record breaking unsupported return journey from the coast of Antarctica to the South … [Read more...]
Quality Dining Palau Style
Since Jellyfish Lake and the Rock Islands were added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in July 2012, more and more seasoned travelers are choosing Palau as a vacation destination. Recent statistics indicate that nearly 100,000 people visit Palau annually. Holidaymakers who have not yet explored Palau’s charms may be yearning to ascertain if the above water cuisine experience matches Palau’s underwater treasures. During our ten-day stay on Palau, … [Read more...]
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