Costa Rica's name, "Rich Coast" was coined by Columbus when he stopped near present-day Limon and saw the indigenous people wearing "golden mirrors around their necks." As a destination, Costa Rica is rich in cultural and eco-tourism wildlife experiences with the added allure of the beautiful beaches of the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Best of all, Costa Rica is only a few short hours away from the East Coast by air. Being from the east … [Read more...]
Cosmopolitan and Beautiful – George Town in the Cayman Islands
The minute I stepped off the cruise ship, I knew I was somewhere special! I couldn't wait to explore the winding, colorful and cosmopolitan streets of George Town in the Grand Cayman Islands. George Town is the capital of the Cayman Islands which are located in the British West Indies. These islands have a population of over 55,000 making it the second-largest city of all the British Overseas Territories. It definitely has a British vibe as … [Read more...]
A Journey to the Center of the Universe in Ashland, VA
I recently had the opportunity to travel to the far west end of Richmond, Virginia, to an area called Short Pump, so named for a pump that was located at a tavern built by Revolutionary War veteran Robert Hyde Saunders. The affluent area is a shopper's paradise, with shopping malls as far as the eye can see and the Hilton Richmond Short Pump Hotel & Spa, was a comfortable and convenient basecamp for exploring the small town of Ashland, located … [Read more...]
Top 5 Food Experiences in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a revered foodie destination; home to some of the best street food in the world and some of the most affordable Michelin starred restaurants in the world. It’s a place you should come to hungry...start eating the moment you arrive and don’t stop until you leave! 1). Eat Dim Sum Dim sum is an ancient Chinese cuisine originally served in tea houses along the Silk Road. Small, single-sized dishes would be served alongside steaming … [Read more...]
MGM Springfield Jump Starts City’s Future by Rejuvenating Its Past
The Industrial Revolution ended long ago in the United States but remnants of its impact are still palpable. Once temples of commerce, many cities bustled with sprawling factories, grand theaters, turn of the century office towers, majestic hotels, and regal apartment buildings woven together by pedestrian friendly street grids. Today, much of this ornately designed architecture is demolished or condemned. Over the years, speculative … [Read more...]
Why You Should Visit Death Valley in Summer
If the mere thought of visiting the hottest place on earth in summer freaks you out, think again. There are some great reasons to visit Death Valley in July or August. For one thing, there is the dearth of crowds. Unlike in winter, there are virtually no people anywhere. The few visitors you do encounter are most likely intrepid Europeans who have come to indulge in the desert at its most extreme. Also, unlike winter, days are significantly … [Read more...]
Exploring Paramaribo, Suriname the Fun Way!
After a nearly 13 hour car + van ride from Georgetown in Guyana which began at 4am and included a 4 hour border crossing (slow ferry a big part of this), I arrived in Paramaribo in the late afternoon. Exhausted after eating only an energy bar I found tucked away in my backpack given to me weeks ago by Jacki Ueng I checked into the Guesthouse Zin & Grand Cafe. For only $23/night it included a private room with AC and use of their pool. I soon … [Read more...]
Explorers Guide Napa & Sonoma by Peg Melnik with Tim Fish
The latest edition (no 11) Explorers Guide Napa & Sonoma is a detailed look at some of the best restaurants, wineries and experiences that the wine country in this part of the state has to offer. Written by husband and wife Peg Melnik and Tim Fish. Both are accomplished wine writers: Peg writes for the local Santa Rosa based newspaper, the Press Democrat and Tim writes for the Wine Spectator. Not a huge book but it is richly endowed with … [Read more...]
History, Mystery, Art and More in Boonsboro and Beyond
Last year, during the holidays, I spent some time in Sharpsburg, Maryland, where I enjoyed a lovely stay at the Jacob Rohrbach Inn. During that time, my travels took me through the small town of Boonsboro, where I noticed a cozy, cute little Inn all lit up for the Christmas season. I was pulled to it like a magnet and vowed to return to explore the area when the weather warmed. That opportunity occurred just this month, when I was able to … [Read more...]
Misadventures of a Gringo in Colombia
Upon leaving the unexpectedly small Cartagena airport, I was welcomed by a huge billboard featuring a Colombian Elvis impersonator. The other passengers who had also just arrived were poppin’ into little yellow micro-machine cabs and spinning off into their own assorted narratives. I stood and watched their numbers dwindle. Soon I was one of only a few prey left for the desperate transportation peddlers. A husky, determined Colombian man … [Read more...]
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