The world is home to many fabulous places. You can explore spectacular mountains, or you can bask on one of the stunning beaches. If you are planning to take a holiday in 2013, here are ten cities you should consider visiting. 1. Paris, France Paris, The City of Lights, is one of the most impressive cities in the world. The city possesses exciting music, exquisite art and world-famous cuisine. You can visit the majestic Eiffel Tower, or you … [Read more...]
Sumatran Blend, Ripples on the Edge of Time: Toba or not Toba?
An American backpacker treats Sumatra, Indonesia’s “Lake Toba”--filled with crunchy Elysian entrepots --as a writers’ retreat where backing off comes with the territory “Characters are just like black marks on paper. . . --William Gass, Fiction and the Right of Life I arrive by high-speed hydrofoil across the Malacca Straits to Medan, the ersatz capital of Sumatra, during Ramadan. I was, of course, on my way to flop down and relax at the … [Read more...]
Parrot Learning Digital Audio Pen Reader
Parrot Learning Digital Audio Pen Reader (Reviewed: Oct 2012) Who would have thought a talking pen could help make learning a language easier! Introducing the "Chinese Talking Travel Guidebook" from Parrot Learning. We have taken a number of trips to either Hong Kong or mainland China and in advance of another trip to the mainland - we've been using this guidebook in anticipation of our trip. Chinese, like other Asian languages is a tonal … [Read more...]
Ten Finalists Chosen: 2012 Cintas’ America’s Best Restroom Contest
Ten Finalists Chosen For 2012 Cintas’ America’s Best Restroom Contest Public Voting Begins for 11th Annual Contest Will America’s next Best Restroom be the result of a multi-million dollar renovation to the nation’s largest natural outdoor amphitheater, and set against picturesque iconic Hollywood Hills? Or will Sin City’s most luxurious loo, a sprawling 2,000 square foot space inside Vegas’ Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, earn … [Read more...]
Symphony of Lights, Hong Kong – September 2012
The Symphony of Lights is a must visit free attraction that involves more than 40 buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbor (buildings on Kowloon as well as Hong Kong Island). The tallest building in Hong Kong, the Two International Finance Centre, at 415 m (1,360 ft) also plays a role in this light show. According to the Guinness book of world records, it is the world's Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show". There are excellent views from the … [Read more...]
Magnificent Macau
As a tourist destination in Asia, Macau pretty much has it all. Bustling nightlife with amazing casinos and gambling entertainment, beautiful beaches, an amazing heritage of Portuguese and Chinese culture and luxury resorts offering accommodation at low prices all vie for your attention on this small, densely populated island. Gambling is the number one industry in Macau and the multitude of casinos are a huge attraction for visitors as Macau … [Read more...]
Volunteer Abroad in Samoa with Projects Abroad
NEW YORK - July 27, 2012 - Starting in September 2012, Projects Abroad will host its first volunteers in Samoa, the newest destination where the organization offers international volunteer programs to volunteers of all ages, from students and professionals to families and retirees. Projects Abroad’s volunteer opportunities in Samoa are located in the capital city of Apia. While Samoa may be known as an attractive travel destination thanks to … [Read more...]
Richard Bangs: Global Explorer, Author
Richard has enjoyed an enviable travel career - over the past 30 years he's explored much of the world, made a number of first river descents and founded or was an integral part of several major travel companies. Recently we had a chance to ask Richard about his travel philosophy, career accomplishments and recent projects. Q. Tell us how you became an adventure traveler and what still fuels your appetite for this type of travel? I … [Read more...]
Hanging out in China
Nice to be back in China and on Asia time - was in Beijing last year, this time around I've already re-visited Hong Kong and now in Shenzhen on way to Shanghai in a few days. Hong Kong is crazy with all its traffic and hundreds of high rise apartment buildings but so is Shenzhen! Last night was just mesmerized by all the lights driving by what seemed like never ending row after row of high rises. Cities you've hardly heard of in China have … [Read more...]
Back in Thailand
There is such a contrast between the countries of Brunei and Thailand and nowhere is this more evident than at their respective airports. Usually for International flights I allow about 2 hours to get to the gate and with some extra time but in Brunei the airport is so small, quiet, and there are not so many flights that even 40 minutes is usually enough time to check in, go through security, get to the gate and still have time left … [Read more...]