I’ll hear no grumbles about bumpy flights on twin-prop planes from regional airports in the U.S.. No sighs about the robotic sign-off from the cabin steward, “Thank you for choosing United” (as if you had a choice). No, you have no grounds for complaint because you don’t know how terrifying such flights can be. You have not had the Antonov-24 (a Soviet-era airplane) experience. The Antonov-24, a Soviet 44-seater turboprop which made its … [Read more...]
The End of the Road: “I’ve finally made it around the world.”
I’m tired this morning. It feels like the end of a very long journey. I sleep in, listening to the sounds of Parisian life outside my hotel. While it will be the end of this journey around the world with the last leg from Paris back to Frankfurt tomorrow, perhaps it’s the start of something else. I want to believe that my days of living and working with people who do not share my values are over (or at least I will be conscious of the … [Read more...]
Hamburg – Nightlife & Casino Adventure
Move over Berlin, Hamburg is taking over as the ultimate nightlife destination in Europe. Whether you are after a wild night at one of Hamburg's discotheques or some relaxed sophistication, there is something here for everyone. Sip cocktails, have a seafood feast, sink shots and let your hair down. Explore the different districts and find your fix. Whether you want a crazy night out or some low-key fun, Hamburg has the best nightlife in … [Read more...]
Tai Chi in China
Our dear tai chi master, Dr. Paul Lam, and his partner Hazel invited us to join them as part of a small group on a two-week tai chi workshop/tour of China. Dr. Lam said he designed the trip to be “fun and serious, leisurely and exciting, like the yin and yang of tai chi.” This design of contrasts generated a trip of remarkable paradoxes: Absolutely clean wide modern streets and filthy holes-in-the-ground bathrooms. Great Wall preserved … [Read more...]
Dizzying heights and Robot Wars in Dazzling Tokyo
Japan has always held a certain mystic for us in the western world. While it might be often be highly romaticised compared to the reality, Japan still holds many surprises, and you'll probably be surprised in ways you never expected. It cost the guts of €1200 for flights with BA as we flew in high season around April/May it was totally worth it. From the moment I stepped foot in Narita airport in Tokyo, I fell in love with Japan and its … [Read more...]
The Moroccan Sahara. A Sunset Camel Ride in Erg Chebbi.
It has been a long day, yet one that has been extremely enjoyable. Two days in a car would not have been a preferred choice after my disastrous week of cycling in the Atlas Mountains but Mousa, my guide, has made the right calls with stops for both the sights on the way and for breaks, as well as sensing when to chat and when to leave me to doze. The further we drive - the further into the desert we go - the better the scenery. We are roughly … [Read more...]
Smithsonian Journey – An Illustrated History of Travel
This epic travel tome captures thousands of years of human travel. Set in chronological order, one doesn't necessarily need to start in the beginning. Simply randomly open a page and you will be hooked. Names such as Christopher Columbus, Magellan, Amelia Earhart, Roald Amundsen and many others leap from the pages - great explorers in their own rights. Accompanying every great explorer comes some sort of transportation - ships, trains, planes, … [Read more...]
Truly a Special Place, Chamonix in the French Alps
I have been fortunate to have visited France a number of times - but by far the trip that has stood out in my mind over the years was a trip to Chamonix in the summer with my brother as part of a longer trip backpacking through parts of Europe. Traveling on train from near Geneva to Chamonix is anywhere from 2 to 4 hours - we felt good because we had a Eurorail pass which covered most train travel within Europe for 30 days. But at the time we … [Read more...]
Looking at Visiting Toronto for the First Time
Remarkably I have not yet visited one of the largest cities in North America, Toronto and the largest city in Canada. One of our earliest contributors to this site Habeeb Salloum lives in Toronto and has invited me in the past to visit this diverse city. In looking at airfare for great deals on flights to Toronto I began researching the prices from Los Angeles (LAX) to to Toronto (YTO). Remarkably flights are priced under $300. And round trip … [Read more...]
Five Reasons to Visit Amsterdam with the I Amsterdam City Card
Last November, I took a leap of faith and booked my first solo trip abroad. I headed to the Netherlands. Having never traveled alone before, I needed to be safe, smart, and strict about my spending. I enjoy comfort and privacy, so costs add up quickly with both an international hotel and a flight. Through my research, there appeared to be five reasons why the I Amsterdam City Card was the best option. It allowed me to be smart about my … [Read more...]
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