Gerald R. Ford, the 38th President of the United States, has the distinction of being the only person appointed to both the positions of Vice President and President. Vice President Spiro Agnew resigned in December, 1973. President Richard Nixon resigned on August 8, 1974. Nixon’s resignation was a first for the United States. Presidents have been assassinated and have died while in office but none had ever resigned. Ford was in the right place … [Read more...]
The Top 10 Reasons I Love Taipei
Taipei City is the capital city of Taiwan, a state in East Asia bounded by China, Japan and the Philippines. It is the political, economic, educational and cultural centre of Taiwan (or more correctly The Republic of China), a modern metropolis with a thriving economy and a vibrant tourism industry. People who flock to Taipei are there for the street food, the night markets, the historical artifacts, the hot springs and its many upscale shops. If … [Read more...]
The Highlands of Bukidnon
The 7,000+ islands in the Philippines have a colorful history painted through the varied cultures of their inhabitants and at times, dramatic history. But the country's unique setting, perhaps, reveals a more interesting story for outdoor travelers. This is especially true for the southern parts of the country including Mindanao, which is home of Bukidnon province. Its topography features an extensive plateau, however its southern and eastern … [Read more...]
Maintaining a List of 5,000+ 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...]
Marriage, Bloodline and Leisure in Bohol
To be in the shoes of a wanderer is to fully experience life and to ponder our own existence. However some places carve out a special place in your heart - places you must return to again. There is a mystery of why this 'pull of attraction' exists within yourself and no amount of restraint can stop you from revisiting. For me, Bohol in the Philippines is that place. It has been exactly four years now since I visited Bohol, its capital … [Read more...]
Visit Palau – September 2014
Palau is truly the remote destination for nature lovers and outdoor and marine enthusiasts. It is not an easy destination to reach from Europe or the states. Non stop flights connect in Japan or Guam - this is part of Micronesia - about 800 km as the crow fly's from Manilla, Philippines.This island nation has not yet been overly developed with strip malls, high rise condo's, fast food restaurants that plague many island nations. This is uniquely … [Read more...]
The Old House in Silay
For many generations the same families have owned and preserved ancestral houses in the Philippines as part of their culture. Several houses of prominent families have become points of interest or museums in their communities because of their historical, cultural or architectural worth. Some of these houses, too, have become endangered because of negligent businesses that have no interests in preserving them. I find “preservation” of these homes … [Read more...]
Cebu Will Always Be A Paradise!
“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” – Henry Miller “Book a ticket now and just fly!” - this is what happened on 24th of May, year 2014, my friends and I decided to explore several islands of Cebu, Philippines. Plane ticket booked. Next in line: Do the research. My little knowledge about the place gave me the enthusiasm to go online and start moving my fingers on my laptop keyboard for my research. What is the … [Read more...]
Great Barrier Reef Capsizing & Rescue Story
I have been to Queensland several times over the years but each time I've never had the chance to visit the Great Barrier Reef. It has been on my "bucket list" for a very long time. During my latest trip earlier this year I was fortunate to finally be able to visit this reef, certainly one of the planet's most inspiring underwater and above water destinations. During my time exploring the reef I met an engaging individual, Nick Lynch. I've … [Read more...]
2 Awesome Places I Got To Tick Off My Bucket List
I’ve had an overseas bucket list since I was 18 years of age and I’m still nowhere close to completing the list, though I figure If I get to have 15 countries under my belt I’d be a very happy guy. So far I have visited 8 countries (Peru, Mexico, Philippines, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Mongolia, UAE and Brazil)…my highlights of those trips were: Trekking the Inca Trail in Peru Staying in a Yurt in Mongolia Sand dune boarding in … [Read more...]