I live in Germany so Schladming, Austria was not my first choice. It was not my second choice. I’m not even sure if it was not my third choice. I wanted to go some place where they don’t speak German but my husband wanted to go… so… okay, why not? It was a two-day drive. The first night we stopped along the autobahn at a random hotel. Our overnight stay was nothing special. The hotel served its purpose and we were all packed and ready to go … [Read more...]
Sea of Galilee and Redemption
The sea, the sea! That was my miraculous view for at least four Galilean days staying in a hotel on the outskirts of the ancient city of Tiberias, Israel. That was the Sea of Galilee or Lake Tiberias or Buhayrat Tabriya in Arabic or Yam Kinneret in Hebrew. This is the sea of abounding stories; biblical, archaeological, economic, political and of personal testimonies. One Night I was awakened by a dream. I was swimming in the sea’s deep … [Read more...]
Everything You Need to Know About Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest
Although the main attraction that brings people to the wilderness of Rwanda is the majestic silverback gorilla, there is plenty more wildlife and things to see in this beautiful country of a countless hills. Talk about climbing the numerous volcanos, spotting the big 5 at the Akagera National Park or biking though the famous Congo Nile Trail. Rwanda has a lot to offer for those planning on experiencing Africa’s natural beauty and wildlife. … [Read more...]
By a Single Thread
A birthday card from our kids shows the front paws of a tiger; a cub is peeking out between two protective legs, cub eyes full of mischief as if saying, "is anybody out there silly enough to dare touch me, with my big daddy around?" I gaze at it for a while. Gradually, a decisive fraction of a second once upon a time starts to cross my mind... * * * Entering deep relaxation after some yoga that morning, I've planted gratitude in my mind for … [Read more...]
New Zealand of My Thirst
Aotearoa, the Maori name for New Zealand stayed in my head days after I inhaled its poetry, its wild forest, its volcanic lake in a caldera, the slow, gentle rhythm of its longest river, Waikato and its multi-cultural people. The North Island floated in my landscape that wanted to hear its voice during fall. There I was introduced into the polyglot voices of the Pasifika experience of Karlo Mila, a poet who captures the essence of … [Read more...]
A Wild Ride in West Africa
Even the driver seemed surprised! Bad sign, these guys have seen it all. In the center of the brightly painted wheel, where the hub should have attached to the axle, was a jagged gaping hole. We’d already used our spare wheel and our jack wasn’t working anyway, so we did what anyone in West Africa would do in this situation: we settled in to wait for help. The merciless sun bullied most passengers into the shade of a nearby tree. They sat … [Read more...]
Naples, Italy: A Gastronomic Plunge Into Pizza
There are many sites to see in and around Naples, Italy. For travelers who live to eat, it’s the vibrant cuisine that acts like a magnet, drawing us to this southern Italian city like bees to honey. Situated in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, residents live with the constant threat of eruption. Rather than living in fear, they throw caution to the wind, embracing each moment with a carefree attitude and plenty of gusto. Each meal might be your … [Read more...]
Top 11 Things to Do in Montreal’s Golden Square Mile
The name of Montreal's Golden Square Mile or Le Mille Carré, a square mile of signature historic blocks at the heart of downtown at the foot of Mount Royal, traces its origins back to 1950s real estate developers promoting the area's prosperity. Today, "Golden" more aptly describes the stellar array of attractions available within such a small radius. In 1983, only 30% of the district's historic buildings survived the wrecking ball due to … [Read more...]
Playing the Points Game: A Beginner’s Thoughts
My youngest son is about to fly the coop and start college, joining his older brother in the fall at San Diego State. This means that my wife and I are about to become empty nesters, giving us the chance to fly the coop ourselves and travel more. With this looming rebirth of freedom, I am beginning to look into the wonderful (and complicated!) game of acquiring points as a means of knocking down the costs of airfare, lodging, restaurants, and … [Read more...]
Crazy About Cats at the San Diego Zoo
The black jaguar strides agitatedly back and forth in a small corner of her otherwise large enclosure, occasionally stopping to sniff the air, then quickly resuming her search. Something has piqued her interest. She stoops down to take a view from a different angle, brushing her snout through the tall green grass. Her deep emerald eyes flare like Saint Elmo's fire as she continues to hunt for the elusive source of her interest. This is Mystique, … [Read more...]
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