World’s Most Dangerous Border The bitter wind tore through my parka, as I stood less than 25 feet away from an armed North Korean soldier. I shivered again, but this time in reflection of where I stood. Sharply uniformed North and South Korean soldiers were patrolling with weapons by their side. I was in the DMZ, the demilitarized zone that bisects North and South Korea. Former President Bill Clinton, described it as the "the scariest … [Read more...]
Archives for June 2016
Best Free Things to Do in Canada
People love free things, and visitors to Canada are not exceptions to this rule. Vacationers are forever looking for ways to get the maximum fun at a minimum cost. Fortunately, Canada is a loveable city that offers plenty of free ways to have fun. The free things you can do in Canada may be outdoor or indoor, adventurous or relaxing, child friendly or adult only. In brief, there is something for everybody and visitors can take their time to … [Read more...]
San Miguel de Allende Ready for “Sabores 2016”
New York, NY, June 15, 2016 – Mexico’s iconic colonial city, San Miguel de Allende, will host its annual Sabores (Flavors) of San Miguel fair from June 17 to 19 with nine chefs from different destinations and a plethora of cuisines. Taking place in the city’s Parque Juarez, the fair will offer visitors and locals several culinary activities, including wine tastings, showcases, conferences, live music and activities for children. Local … [Read more...]
Maintaining a List of 4,000+ In English Domain Name Travel Blog Directory
When travel blogging started to slowly take off in 2005/2006 I created a separate category for it in my already existing links directory. I added a links directory to my site in the late 1990's although it was much smaller and all html coded by hand back then. It gives me a way to keep track and reference when I need to, on a large scale, the many different facets of the travel industry. It is impressive how many travel blogs there are and … [Read more...]
Discover Nakoma: A Guide to Mountain-Town Hospitality
When I was initially invited to be a guest at the Lodge at Nakoma, I admit I had to look up its whereabouts. I was very familiar with the Tahoe region of Northern California, what with the numerous skiing and camping trips I used to indulge in (and still do occasionally), but hadn't explored past Lake Tahoe. The Nakoma Resort is less than an hour northwest from Truckee/Lake Tahoe and is nestled amidst the pine trees, with the majestic Sierras as … [Read more...]
From Camping with Nomads to Exploring Tehran
The past few days I've been enjoying life with a group of nomads who move around the deserts of central Iran. They regularly herd large numbers of sheep and goats; I was able to join them as they moved one such herd from the flat lands up into the mountains. It is a life in motion for the herders and their animals; both are moved around continuously in search of food and water. Donkeys accompany the herds carrying shelter and additional food and … [Read more...]
Guide to Houston, Texas
Houston combines Texas authenticity with artistic flair. If you like cowboy boots and rodeo with your cutting-edge art scene, mosey on over. In addition to world-class museums, innovative visual experiences should please even self-proclaimed museum haters. The culinary panorama is in the spotlight, with over 10,000 restaurants to tickle your palate. From inexpensive neighborhood spots to chef-driven eateries drawing big spenders, you’ll never go … [Read more...]
Cultural Differences and Odd Superstitions
It is a truth universally acknowledged that tourists on holiday are likely to make fools of themselves. From telling an Italian to “rock on” with the seemingly-innocent hand gesture (which locally implies that his wife is being unfaithful) to giving a local Thai guide the thumbs-up (the native equivalent of the middle finger), it’s perfectly easy for the travelling man to offend his hosts, be ejected from a taxi and eternally shame himself, all … [Read more...]
Far and Away, Flat Out, The West’s Best Road Trip
It feels like we’re driving to the edge of the world where the water falls off. Infinity is just ahead. To the right are mountains that arc up from the basement of time. On the left, a dry lakebed now glassed with salt. This is the driest state in the country, not so surprising, but it is also the most mountainous, with some 300 ranges. If you look at a satellite photo of earth at night one of the brightest pixels is Las Vegas in … [Read more...]
Welcome to the World of Contrast – Light, Dark and all Shades in Between #Iceland
I've never come across such a wide range of plays of light and darkness in a single day as today, my first introduction to Iceland. Enormous dark clouds layered themselves over plateaus in the distance - themselves layered by alternating white and dark between land, snow and glaciers. The sun shone in the foreground contrasted by the darkness in the background. The play of light and color between the water, the sky and the clouds was impressive … [Read more...]