This busy metropolis on the southeastern island of Mindanao is one of the world’s largest cities in terms of land area. Since the 1970s when the city gained the earmark of being the “killing fields” of the Philippines —a “murder city”— Davao has dramatically transformed. But since 1988 it has become the safest city in the country and one of the most livable cities in Asia. Famous as the home turf of once legendary mayor (and now Philippine … [Read more...]
Trekking Torres Del Paine National Park in Patagonia
"The clearest way into the universe is through a forest wilderness.” - John Muir I like to think that John Muir was correct in many of his writings. And I also like to think that Torres del Paine is as close as it gets to the wilderness that he describes, the one that fuses the soul into the universe. Located at the southern end of Chile, deep in South America’s famed Patagonia region, this majestic national park surely ranks among the most … [Read more...]
Incomparable and Magnificent Istanbul
“If a blind man should gaze upon the world but one day, he should gaze upon Istanbul.” – Alphonse de Lamartine Few places elicit the “It's the most beautiful city I have ever seen!” reaction as frequently as Istanbul. Those were also my exact sentiments the first time I visited back in 2004. Today, 15 years later, as I stroll the empty streets of downtown Istanbul in the middle of the night, I remember why I have ever since felt this way. I … [Read more...]
A Layover Trip to Athens
It’s not everyday that I get to feel like I’m living in history, but that’s exactly how I felt looking at the rolling hills of Athens from the top of the Acropolis, images from 300 flashing in and out of my head (I know I know 300 is Sparta not Athens). I was on my way to Iceland from Singapore after attending a trade show on the island nation. There were no direct flights available; what’s more, there wasn’t even a simple connecting … [Read more...]
Glimpses of Inle Lake, A must visit when in Myanmar
My formula for epic trips is something like this: travel with friends, seek out a diversity of unique and fun experiences, enjoy a bit of adventure, always imbibe in a bit of alcohol, find a balance between the natural and urban worlds, find good value for the money and meet other travelers. When Bohemian Vagabond suggested we visited Myanmar, I admit I wasn't super excited - having only visited once before near the Thai border and never … [Read more...]
Chevy’s 2019 Equinox Gets Me to Portland Maine’s Growing Artisan Food & Beverage Scene
The concept of taking a road trip sounds carefree and largely based on serendipity. But after rearranging your schedule and marking time on your calendar, the realization sets in that you need a planned itinerary and well equipped vehicle to get you to the most scenic routes and can't-miss sights. It helps to have comfort and navigational assistance like you get in Chevy's 2019 Equinox. I recently tried it out on a coastal road trip to … [Read more...]
The Pull of Haystack Rock: Why I Keep Coming Back
I'm from a sleepy town in the Triad region of North Carolina. All my life, my parents took us kids to the closest beach on the east coast there was: good, old-fashioned Myrtle. Even back in the mid-1990s, it was a treasure trove of commercialism, with high-rise condos juxtaposed against centuries-old motels still somewhat holding on, amid the tearing down of the old Pavillion and the installation of a brand-new boardwalk. My toes never touched … [Read more...]
Tokyo Attractions: A Quickie Guide
If you haven’t yet visited Tokyo, the time is ripe. This dynamic city is gearing up for the 2020 Summer Olympics so it’s a fine time to discover its wealth of offerings. From the swanky shops in Ginza to the teen fashion Mecca Harajuku, there’s a neighborhood to please every tourist’s taste. There’s so much to do and see in this bustling metropolis, you could stay for months--or years-- and still not see it all. Make sure you allow plenty of … [Read more...]
Discover Carson Valley, a Legendary Snow-filled Destination That’s High on Fun and Low on Crowds
CARSON VALLEY – Winter in Northern Nevada is in full swing and Carson Valley offers a snow-friendly destination that won't break the bank. Cozy, seasonal, adventurous, and relaxing – the four communities of Carson Valley have something for the winter-lover in your family. ©Brad Comen for Visit Carson Valley Easy to find, hard to forget Carson Valley is situated 45 minutes south of the Reno International Airport, 20 minutes east of Lake … [Read more...]
Khao Tapu (James Bond Island) #Thailand – January 2019
This island is located in Ao Phang Nga National Park and rose to fame when it was featured in the 1974 James Bond film, The Man with the Golden Gun. Today the island is much loved and visited and depending on the time of year crowds descend on its narrow shores jostling for photographs and views from all the same spots as everyone else. This is a very scenic part of Thailand - and understandably draws visitors from all over the world. Small … [Read more...]
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