David Stanley is a well-heeled travel writer who has written a number of books about the South Pacific for Moon Handbooks. We have admirably followed his career for a number of years. He has been writing guidebooks for over 30 years and has maintained his South Pacific website since the late 1990's. We recently had a chance to ask him about his career, travels and advice in regards to travel writing. Q. You are a prolific writer how … [Read more...]
Varadero Golf Club – A Paradise for Golfers
"I must come back and enjoy this golf course!" my colleague sighed as we stood beside the 'Xanadu Mansion', the Club House of the Varadero Golf Club - Cuba's only 18-hole golf course. He went on, "Imagine we can combine a holiday by everyday romping on this beautiful beach with its talcum sand and relaxing waters then play [playing] a game of golf. It will be a perfect vacation for golfers seeking a fulfilling holiday." My colleague had a … [Read more...]
Moon Cuba
Moon Cuba by Christopher P Baker is certainly one of the more exhaustive guides to Cuba with 775 pages chock full of detailed travel information. Start your browsing of this book with one of their several suggested itineraries including trips by bicycle, for beach lovers, for cigar and car lovers as well as a description of the most scenic drives. For those with at least 3 weeks, the 21-day "Best of Cuba" itinerary is a must read. Excellent maps … [Read more...]
Wanderlust In Bohol Paradise
"Life without travel is dull." ~The Author Our racing machine sounds like a roaring thunder on the highest gear dashing through lengthy and paved highway that connects Tagbilaran and its neighboring towns, all in the province of Bohol, Philippine Islands. The 8:00am sun has finally put itself clear after days of frequent rains in the island. I still sense the morning dew leftovers as I ride in next to Lloyd, going to one of the world's … [Read more...]
Vanuatu: One of the World’s Remaining Paradises
When you think of a romantic island vacation, what do you imagine? Basking away peaceful days in the sun, just you and your special someone? Stealing away to hidden beaches where you frolic in the waves like children, uninterrupted by human life? Sipping a drink in your beach chair with a view over your feet that could easily be the setting for a Corona commercial? Picturesque, pristine, and private- this is the dream setting for couples … [Read more...]
Enjoying Sea and Sand in Varadero: A Catamaran Seafari
Through the years while visiting Cuba's resort spot Varadero, I have participated in its, many land and sea activities, but I had never taken a catamaran sea tour. However, today, this was to be remedied. I was on my way to join a catamaran safari - one of Varadero's top tourist offerings. Everything in Varadero, a town of some 8,000 inhabitants is geared toward foreign visitors. A spread-out town edged by 22 km (13.5 mi) of sugary- white … [Read more...]
Tony Wheeler: Founder of Lonely Planet
Recently we had the opportunity to sit down with Tony Wheeler, the founder of Lonely Planet, in San Francisco. He was on a whirlwind tour in the United States promoting his new book, Bad Lands: A Tourist on the Axis of Evil. We spent about an hour in the interview. Immediately following his book promotion tour he was off to attempt a climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa 5,895 meters (19,340 feet). We asked him a series of questions - this is … [Read more...]
Bad Lands
Bad Lands by Tony Wheeler Join Lonely Planet founder Tony Wheeler as he explores some of the "badlands" in the world. He visited the following nine countries because of their human-rights abuses: Afghanistan, Albania, Burma, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, and Saudi Arabia. … [Read more...]
The Terracotta Urns of Cuba’s Camaguey
"Camaguey is known as the city of tinajones (huge terracotta or earthenware urns). You will find them everywhere as you walk around town. They are a symbol of our city." Our guide smiled, then continued, "However, wives, beware! Do not let your husband drink from them! There is a legend that if a man takes a drink offered by a woman from a tinajone, he will fall in love with her and remain in Camaguey the rest of his life." In the bygone … [Read more...]
Ray’s Apartment
En la escuela me ensenaron que en el Apartheid no todos son iguales y no importa la ley, por eso me molesto con las cosas que veo, eschame brother: "fuck you bloqueo! "pero entindelo man tamalo como quieras, la politica no cabe en la azucarera. In school they teach me that in Apartheid Not everyone is equal and the law doesn't care, Because of this the things I see bother me, Listen to me brother: Fuck you embargo! But I understand … [Read more...]