The tiny island of Anguilla is approximately 16 miles in length (26km) by about 3 miles (5km) wide. You come here to unwind, to relax and to enjoy a slower pace of life. The island is not overbuilt and does not feature massive resorts - rather there is a diversity of lodging from affordable three star properties to luxurious 5-star properties. Because of it's size, the island is easily explored - with little traffic, generally very flat roads … [Read more...]
Archives for January 2016
Saba Anyone?
I recently counted the times I've either flown, ferried, or come in on a cruise ship to Sint Maarten in the last two months; my arrivals and departures added up to 14 times (interesting considering I had never visited the island until late 2015)! During my stops in Sint Marteen, my eye has caught glimpses of the intriguing, mysterious and prominent shape of Saba (a municipality of the Netherlands) in the distance, sometimes clear, sometimes … [Read more...]
2016 Seasonal Celebrations in Buena Park
Buena Park, California is known for its world-class attractions and year round warm weather but what is often overlooked is the destinations ever changing events that make it a unique experience with every visit. Winter While Santa is checking his list twice, elves transform Knott’s Berry Farm into Merry Farm from the end of November through December. The holiday makeover includes a 60-foot Christmas tree lighting, festive decorations and … [Read more...]
A Tale of Blue Gold
You might not wonder how clothes or other fabrics get their color, but textile dyes have been around for centuries affecting much more than just the world of fabric. With the introduction of exotic and stunning hues that came from dyes, the world was made a canvas upon which our ancestors painted their history. Dyes were often considered a luxury and a symbol of wealth. Of the many dyes, indigo is the oldest, and its origins are based in … [Read more...]
The Pottery Village in the Mountains of Japan
In the final months of my last year at university, I took a trip to Hogsback, a small village in the Eastern Cape, to meet a potter named Anton. He agreed to be the subject of a soundslide I was producing for my portfolio and was kind enough to let me shadow him for a day. Tucked away in the forests of the Amatole Mountains, his studio overlooked a carpet of tree tops and was filled with the chirping of the forest’s louder residents. There … [Read more...]
Dream of Venice edited by Joann Locktov
Dream of Venice is a curated collection of memories thoughts and experiences from a number of well-traveled and accomplished individuals. Philosophical and reflective in nature this book is part reflections, part memories, and a pinch of nostalgia. Excellent photography accompanies every writer's contribution. Venice is always in a state of partial decay and need for support. Portion of the proceeds from the sale of each book will be … [Read more...]
Exploring Duga: Chernobyl Exclusion Zone in Ukraine
The Russian Woodpecker was so powerful it globally disrupted TV and radio broadcasts, commercial aviation communications, and even utility transmissions. The Woodpecker’s official name is Duga, it is a humongous, over-the-horizon radar that the Soviets utilized to detect nuclear ballistic launches in the US. This power-hungry Duga was located in the shadow of the doomed Chernobyl nuclear power plant in present day Ukraine. During the Soviet … [Read more...]
Visit Nazare Portugal – January 2016
This coastal town sits on the edge of a hill overlooking wide orangish sand beaches which extend up and down the coastline. This quaint European city is full of restaurants and places to stay and makes for a good base for exploring this coastal part of Portugal. It is only about 1 hour 15 minutes drive north of Lisbon so is a popular weekend getaway for tourists and locals a like. This part of Portugal can be very crowded from May to about … [Read more...]