In 2002, Oenologue, Sébastien Thépénie responded to an ad to work at a winery in French Polynesia. Wait a minute. There is vineyard and a winery in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean? The answer is yes - on the remote Rangiroa atoll, one of the world's largest coral atolls. And certainly one of the most isolated vineyards on the planet. Today Sébastien oversees the viticulture and winemaking for Domaine Vin de Tahiti. This extremely unique … [Read more...]
Hands-on Ecuadorian Artisans Are Hands-Down Amazing
Photo by Alice Bourget [Note: this piece was written in pre-pandemic days, first accepted by the LA Times, but had a couple of long publication delays. And then the pandemic arrived. Ecuador was hit hard. Milton’s tours, listed at the end, are suspended. Here’s to travel to come!] When I was around 10, I tagged along to my brother’s Boy Scout meeting, where one activity was making art projects. Given instruction, I sprayed a clothespin with … [Read more...]
A Crazy Stop in La Paz, Boliva
Upon arriving in South America I entered a very familiar airport, Jorge Chavez International Airport. I lingered in Lima for a refreshing shower in the hotel directly across from the airport. Walked back to the departures terminal and tried to sleep for a few hours on the hard floor. Loud music playing at 130am followed by staff cleaning the floors. No sleep tonight. Boarded next flight. Arrived in Cuzco - exited the airport with just enough time … [Read more...]
Art, Beauty, History, and Cuisine on the English Riviera
Along with my partner, I recently took a short trip down to the English Riviera where I found beauty, history, and the most incredible food! We were lucky with the weather, the sun shone the whole time we were there and the air was warm and balmy, but I imagine this place is almost as scenic when the weather isn’t as accommodating. This part of Devon is best known for Torquay, home of Faulty Towers, but we wanted something a little more off the … [Read more...]
Bum Guns: A Love Story
Pants around my ankles, I can’t look away. It’s staring at me, a droplet of water slithering slowly down its face. The droplet reaches the bottom, clings, swells, then splatters against the tile floor. And I’m thinking no, I mean, they can’t, can they? They can’t actually- the angles alone! But they must, because every bathroom into which I’ve slapped my slippery flip-flops as one installed. Right there, next to the toilet. Sometimes righty, … [Read more...]
Seas the Day: Four World-Renowned Beaches in the Philippines
The Philippines holds the world’s most diverse ocean life hidden underneath the sea. Surrounded by white sand protecting the mesmerizing turquoise waters, Philippines’ amazing coastlines serve as a testimony to its divine nature, making it one of the most desired travel destinations all over the world. There are over 7000 islands in the Philippines with approximately 2000 of the islands being inhabited. Each island offers rich biodiversities … [Read more...]
Best Cruise Destinations in the Caribbean
I have cruised on the open oceans and on rivers - I've been on several themed cruises including to Antarctica. The choices for destinations and types of cruises are seemingly endless. Where to start? For me, I start with warm weather! My favorite cruise destination in the world is the Caribbean. And I love visiting this part of the world after the hurricane season and when the weather starts cooling considerably in the Northern Hemisphere but … [Read more...]
Escape to Oxnard this Spring – Clean, Uncrowded Beaches without the Crowds!
Oxnard, CA – Springtime is a great opportunity to refresh, reflect and escape to a destination without the crowds! Oxnard makes for that great spring getaway with its seven miles of uncrowded golden-duned beaches with perfect conditions to bask in the sun while the little ones frolic in the waves. Just an hour north of Los Angeles, Oxnard is a welcome break from big city life, opening up to new adventures and plenty of activity for all age … [Read more...]
Hawks Cay: A Classic Florida Keys Resort Redefines Itself
If you think Florida is all early bird specials and theme parks where you’ll wait on long lines to sip butter beer, welcome to the Florida Keys. This 125-mile-long chain of islands is a natural wonderland that begins just south of Miami. Once you arrive, you’ll feel a million miles away from the crowds that a certain black-eared mouse attracts. The Keys are divided into five regions: Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine and the Lower Keys … [Read more...]
Belize, Mother Natures Best Kept Secret!
Exploring inland Belize was on my list simply because it wasn't on everyone else's; while researching the interior of the country, I felt this region somewhat underrated considering its diversity of activities and natural attractions. Turns out I was right; inland Belize forms the crux of what makes the country so unique. I found it more appealing than the acclaimed Cayes and the glorious big Blue Hole. I journeyed through its dense green … [Read more...]
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